Bonnie Brandon also makes her markNot to be overlooked Saturday was the performance of Cherry Creek ace
Bonnie Brandon. The University of Arizona recruit set a pool record in the 500 freestyle (4:56.93), won the 200 individual medley and was a member of the winning 400 freestyle relay, as well as the 200 medley relay, which finished second.
Brandon's state accomplishments are as equally impressive, as she is the state record-holder in the 100 freestyle, the 200 IM and the 200 freestyle relay.
Many in attendance, no doubt, were hoping that Brandon and Franklin would be matched up head-to-head. Their last high school race at state was epic, with Franklin edging Brandon in the 50 freestyle (22.41 to 23.03).
"I'm not disappointed. I know that she is great, and, obviously, I know that it's going to be really hard to beat her, but I've raced her plenty of times outside of high school," said Brandon, who stopped during the interview to embrace Franklin as she walked by. "We're so close that it's not a big deal. We understand how each other swims, and it's a fun thing to watch each other."
Brandon also said she was uncertain in which events she would be competing at state. "We have to wait and see how everything works out after this meet, see where people fit in."
But she appreciated the elevated atmosphere of the event, fueled by the rivalry and the appearance by Franklin.
"I really enjoyed the cheering. It really showed the passion that both teams have for the sport and this rivalry," Brandon said. "I really think it was good that everybody was so into it. It was a fun atmosphere.
"State is always really hyped up, and this is going to make it even more so."
Regis Jesuit 163, Cherry Creek 152
200-yard medley relay: Regis Jesuit (Missy Franklin, Marielle Renehan, Sydney Cutler & Carla Meli), 1 minute, 49.88 seconds. 200 freestyle: Missy Franklin, RJ, 1:51.00 (pool record). 200 individual medley: Bonnie Brandon, CC, 2:06.74. 50 freestyle: Taylor Wilson, RJ, :25.71. Diving (6): Jacey Pisciotta, RJ, 223.40. 100 butterfly: Fiona Kane, CC, :58.64. 100 freestyle: Elaine Powell, CC, :53.98. 500 freestyle: Bonnie Brandon, CC, 4:56.93 (pool record). 200 freestyle relay: CC (Elaine Powell, Fiona Kane, Lea Koob & Alex Bae), 1:41.83. 100 backstroke: Missy Franklin, RJ, :54.54 (pool record). 100 breaststroke: Marielle Renehan, RJ, 1:09.98. 400 freestyle relay: CC (Bonnie Brandon, Elaine Powell, Fiona Kane & Emma Cunningham), 3:39.72.
