County's best to face uphill battle to win

By CAREY FREEMAN

© St. Petersburg Times, published November 16, 2000

LECANTO -- Of the 28 swimmers from Citrus County who have qualified for this week's Class 2A and Class A state swim meet, there is only one with a legitimate shot of making the top 16.

That would be Lecanto's Allison Brundage.

And she is the only one for a couple of reasons.

First, she might be one of the best county swimmers ever. Second -- and maybe the more important -- - she is in Class 2A and away from state powerhouses Jacksonville Bolles (22 boys titles, 13 girls) and Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest (16 boys, 27 girls).

For the other 27 qualifiers, it's the same old story: try for personal bests and enjoy the show put on by those who have dominated for the past 20 years.

"Basically, our goals are just to improve our times," Citrus coach Doug Patton said. "We approach this thing realistically. Our chances of going down there and winning at state are real slim. We can't compete with the private schools.

"If everyone that goes to state improves their times, then we've had a good day."

Brundage, who scored a fifth-place finish in 1998, is back after taking 1999 off. She took home the championship in the 50 free at last week's 2A-3 meet, setting a district record in 54.87 seconds. That time, based on the FHSAA's cut-off times, should put her back in the final.

"She's not pursuing swimming after high school, so this will be her final competition," Lecanto coach Robert Chambers said. "She's been enjoying herself this year, and she's still very competitive."

Others who have a shot at advancing are Citrus' Lauren Gaffney and Jimmy Baker and Crystal River's Ash Preston, who won two events (200 IM and 100 breast) at the A-3 meet last week.

But even they probably will be shooting at a spot in the consolation final.

"We happen to have the prep schools in our class," Citrus co-coach Frank Bachteler said. "(Bolles) had two Olympians on their team this year. Prep schools are able to recruit elite athletes, and that's good.

"I'm not holding it against them, but they should be swimming against themselves, not against public schools."

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