MAKING WAVES

Trebilcocks qualify for Junior Nationals

By JOE SCALZO

Vindicator sports staff

CANFIELD — Garrett Trebilcock knew last fall that he was headed to this week’s Speedo Junior National Championships. He never thought his brother would join him.

Trebilcock, a Division II state champion in the 200-yard individual medley, will join his younger brother Gavin at the five-day event, which begins Monday in Seattle. The Junior National is the highest-level meet in the U.S. for swimmers under age 18.

“The [qualifying] times are so fast, to have even one person from our area make it is pretty impressive,” said Penguin USA Swimming coach Greg McAtee, who coaches the brothers during the club season. “To have two, and for them to be from the same family, is a pretty special thing.”

Garrett will swim the 200-meter butterfly, the 200 IM, the 100 butterfly and the 100 free at the event, while Gavin will compete in the 100 and 200 breaststroke and 50 free.

They are the only area swimmers in recent memory to compete in the event, although Boardman’s Tyler O’Halloran and Warren Harding’s Nate King both met the qualifying times. O’Halloran opted to swim in the Senior Nationals instead and later went on to a successful career at the University of Texas.

“I’m definitely excited,” said Garrett, a senior-to-be at Canfield who made the qualifying time for the 200 fly last fall. “The best kids in the nation are going to be there, as well as a lot of up-and-coming guys and a lot of college coaches.

“Pretty much every college coach I talked to is going to try to get there, or at least send an assistant.”

Although Garrett has known for months he would be competing, Gavin’s participation was a bit of a surprise. The junior-to-be had a terrific prep season and has made huge strides over the past year. He made the qualifying times in the two 200-meter events at the USA Sectional in late July in Oxford, Ohio.

“With Gavin, we would have been happy if he had just gotten close to those [qualifying] times this year,” said McAtee. “He really surprised us with how fast he swam.”

All of this week’s events are in long course meters, which is the international standard. High school events are in yards.

Although earning qualifying times isn’t as exciting as, say, a state title, Garrett said he views it as an important benchmark.

“I know I wanted to get these times because it’s what college coaches look at,” he said. “I’m definitely looking forward to the competition.”

Penguin Swimming practices at YSU’s Beeghly Natatorium. The season begins in September and the club is offering a free trial week from Sept. 14-18. For details, visit www.penguinswim.com.

scalzo@vindy.com