Chris Bals from Saint Joseph’s High School in South Bend, IN, and PRO Swimming has decided that Purdue will be home for the next four years. Bals’ 100 breaststroke has progressed from a 1:01.86 as freshman to a 56.83 as a junior. He has dropped a significant amount of time during his first three years of high school under his high school coach, Tony Kowals.
In the 200 yard breaststroke, he has been 2:04.54. With a majority of his training focused on the high school distances, the 200 is an event that he has not spent a lot of time training for. Over this past summer with PRO Swimming, he dropped his 200 LC meter breaststroke time to a 2:24.12.
Bals should be able to make an immediate impact for the boilermakers next year. His best times are already among the top 3 times from last season and I expect him to drop even more time during his senior season. Lyam Dias, Purdue’s top breaststroker, is a junior this year. Chris will have a great opportunity to swim and train with Dias during his senior year.
“I knew when I left the recruiting trip at Purdue they would be at the top of my list. They had everything academically and athletically that I wanted and it is the perfect fit for me. The team and coaches were just one big family that takes care of each other. I am very excited to be able to represent Purdue in the future. I know I can grow in all aspects at Purdue and I can’t wait to join the team next year. Boiler up!” – Chris Bals
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Way to go Chris! Could not be more proud of you, congratulations!