Despite their record, Brandon varsity coed swimming coach Todd Duncan said the team is progressing ahead of schedule.
The host Blackhawks fought a competitive match, but wound up on the short end of a 103-82 contest against Flint Metro League rival Fenton. The loss dropped Brandon’s league record to 1-2.
Nonetheless, Duncan said the Blackhawk program, in its first year as a varsity sport, is moving along quite well.
‘Actually, it’s going better than what I expected,? he said. ‘We’ve made great improvement. A lot of the boys have never swam competitively before, and they are showing improvement each meet.?
Duncan said the team is comprised of 19 boys and five girls, who competed on other varsity teams while the Brandon girls swimming team competed as a fall sport.
The Blackhawks hung tough early against Fenton. After falling behind 29-17 after the first three events (200 medley relay, 200 freestyle, and 200 individual medley), the Blackhawks made their move during the 50 meter freestyle.
Brandon swept the first three places in that event, with Tyler Cole (26.96), Josh Collier (27.13) and Brad MacIntyre (27.83) doing the honors. The Blackhawks pulled within two points, 32-30, as a result of that showing.
However, the more experienced Tigers swept the first three places in the one meter diving event, and took a commanding 45-32 lead.
Despite the loss, several Brandon swimmers earned first place finishes in their respective events.
The 200 meter freestyle ‘B? team won their matchup (1:51.50), while Tyler Walls won the 100 backstroke (1:16:47) and Tyson Delandsheer captured the 100 breaststroke (1:14.71).
In addition, the 200 medley relay ‘B? team finished second in that event (2:07.14), while the 400 free relay team of Clayton Carpenter, Cole, MacIntyre, and Delandsheer finished second with a time of 3:44.48.
The Blackhawks? next meet is slated for Tuesday, Feb. 1 against Kearsley. The Flint Metro League meet will be held Feb. 25-26 at Brandon High School. Starting times are noon on Friday, Feb. 25 and 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26.