Like last year, Brandon’s varsity girls swimming team is seeded second heading into the upcoming Flint Metro League meet.
However, the Blackhawks faced a greater number of competitors in the league this year, and Coach Todd Duncan said the team has stood tall this year as they await the meet, scheduled for Nov. 3-4 at Oxford.
Last year, the Blackhawks contended with three other teams in the Flint Metro: Fenton, Holly and the combined Lapeer East/West team. This year, three other teams joined the mix: Swartz Creek, Oxford and Clio.
Nonetheless, Brandon, which is in its third year as a varsity program, compiled a 5-1 record in league competition, losing only to Fenton, which went undefeated in the league at 6-0.
‘We’re much improved from last year,? Duncan said. ‘This shows the girls are competing and improving by finishing second among seven teams. Our girls are peaking right now, as they should be.?
He said the Blackhawks will likely be battling with Holly for second place in the league, behind perennial league champion Fenton. Duncan said in the past, the Tigers have taken the top two spots in several events at the league meet.
‘They’ve had a solid program for a number of years,? Duncan said of the Tigers. ‘They’re sending the most swimmers to the state meet of anyone in the league. That’s our goal ? to be competitive with Fenton. Each year, we take a step forward. Eventually, I think we’ll get there.?
As far as Brandon swimmers in this year’s league meet, Duncan said Christina Hart in the 100 freestyle and Allie Sowa in the butterfly could place high, although he also said the Blackhawks should have a lot of girls seeded in the top eight in their respective events.
The preliminary heats in each event are scheduled for Nov. 3, with the top 16 from each event moving on to the finals, scheduled for Nov. 4.