Colony swimmer goes Division I

PALMER -- Sarah Brettrager's swimming career has come full circle.

While on a trip to see relatives in Michigan, Brettrager competed in a swimming event in the Oakland University pool. It was the first event at the facility.

Six years later, Brettrager is returning to Oakland University. On Thursday, with her mother and high school coach, Dawn, by her side, Brettrager signed a national letter of intent to join the Grizzly swimming program.

Brettrager said her decision came down to a pair of schools -- Oakland and the Air Force Academy.

"It wasn't any one thing," Brettrager said in regard to the factors in the decision.

The Oakland coaches needed to know her decision by early last week, Brettrager said, so the scholarship paperwork could be competed. Brettrager said she weighed the pros and cons of each choice, and discussed the possibilities with her family. Though each situation was different, Brettrager liked the academic programs, athletic programs and facilities at each school.

"I liked both end results," Brettrager said.

But ultimately at Oakland, Brettrager said, is where she could see herself.

According to Brettrager she will start her Oakland career as the Grizzlies' third or fourth sprinter.

"I don't want to be at the bottom or the top of the pack," Brettrager said.

Brettrager will compete in the 50- and 100-meter sprints, the 200- and 400-meter relays, the 100-meter backstroke and the 100-meter fly at Oakland.

Dawn Brettrager said she expects her daughter to see rapid improvement with significant drops in time early in her college career. After a tough senior year when many Colony swimmers suffered without the program's own facility, Dawn said Sarah would benefit by the Oakland facilities.

Brettrager completed an illustrious four-year swimming career at Colony in the fall. After the 2001 season, she was named the Region III swimmer of the year and holds a pair of region records and was a part of four record-breaking teams in the region. Brettrager, who has swam competitively for the last 10 years, finished in the top five at the state championships in each of her four years with the Knights.