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Health & Fitness

Palatine Park District Tiger Sharks Swim Team Enjoys Award Winning Season

Throughout the indoor short course season, members of the Palatine Park District Tiger Sharks Swim Team excelled at several different meets by breaking a state record and qualifying for national competitions.

 

In January, Palatine Park District's Tiger Sharks Swim Team was named to the USA Swimming 2014 Bronze Medal Club in the National Club Excellence Program. According to the USA Swimming website, "The Club Excellence Program is a voluntary program that identifies and recognizes USA Swimming clubs for their commitment to performance excellence." One of the program's main objectives is to promote the development of strong, well-rounded age group and senior swimming programs that produce elite 18 & under athletes. Tony Gallagher, Swim Team Coordinator at Palatine Park District stated, "We are very honored to be recognized for this achievement. Being a part of the Club Excellence program is a true testament to the hard work and commitment that the swimmers on our team put forth on a daily basis."

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In addition to this team recognition, several swimmers achieved individual performance excellence as well.

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Sean Rodney qualified for the NCSA Junior Championships in Orlando, Florida. The meet features the fastest 18 and under swimmers from the entire country. Rodney qualified for the meet at the Illinois Swimming Senior Championships in March. He qualified for the 200 IM (individual medley) with a time of 1:55.92 and the 1650 Free with a time of 16:10.15. He also achieved bonus qualifying times to compete in the 100 and 200 butterfly events, the 200 free and the 400 IM.  Jake Barson also qualified for the NCSA Junior National Meet as well. He qualified in the 100 breast stroke with a time of 58.25 at the Senior Championship Meet. There are a total of 299 teams entered in the meet with over 1600 athletes competing.

 

At the Age Group State Championships, also held in March, the team's 13-14 Boys Free Relay broke the state record on their way to winning the event for the second consecutive season. The record was over four years old, and the boys broke it by over three seconds. The relay team is comprised of Nick Seroni, Jake Klein, Karl Wadowski, and Alex Bartosik.

 

The Palatine Tiger Sharks Swim Team is an affiliate of the Palatine Park District. The mission of Palatine Park District is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable and affordable parks and recreation facilities and activities that will enhance the quality of life by promoting good health and well-being for all residents and visitors of the Palatine Park District.

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