Missy Franklin Says “Yes” to One More High School Season

In what had become an intense debate in the state of Colorado (at least among those in the high school swimming circuit), Missy Franklin has decided to go for one more season of high school swimming, finishing out her senior year for Regis Jesuit while still training for next summer's World Championships.

After she swam through her junior year despite Olympic preparations, one can imagine the intensity that isn't usually present at high school swimming meets. Media at every one, press conferences, police escorts through throngs of giddy fans, and even an ESPN3 broadcast of the State Championship meet; all of this jammed into small, high school pools with no media staff to control the onslaught.

That can be a lot of pressure in a high school schedule where meets are every week, or even more frequent. Franklin, though, after much personal reflection, has stuck true to her desires to be a part of a team – which is the reason why she didn't turn pro before experience two years of college swimming at Cal first.

Franklin will take a shot at breaking some National High School Records this year; as hard as it is to believe, she doesn't hold a single overall record (though she does have the Independent School marks in the 100 free, 200 free, and 100 backstroke). If the Minnesota Grand Prix a few weeks ago are any indication, she could very well break all three of those records this year, and perhaps the 50 free as well if given the opportunity.

The Colorado 5A HS State Championship meet will be held February 8th and 9th at the same pool it was in last year, EPIC in Fort Collins, Colorado. Wednesday is the first date that Colorado girls' teams are allowed to hold official meets, and Nick Frasersmith's squad begin tonight with a big meet against Chaparral.

This year's schedule has two matchups with archrivals Cherry Creek: January 15th and 21st. Cherry Creek was 2nd at last year's State Championship meet and Regis Jesuit was 3rd. Regis won't have an in-season dual against Fossil Ridge, the defending (surprise) champions.

The full Regis Jesuit schedule is below.