Campbell Returns from NCAA Champs, Watson Departs

PROVO, Utah – Hailey Campbell returned this weekend after competing as the lone representative for the BYU women’s swim team at the NCAA Championships.

Campbell swam in the 100 backstroke on Friday, sharing a time of 54.10 with Candace Cooper of UNC. They tied for 49th place.

Saturday morning, Campbell placed 38th in the 200 back, reaching a time of 1:57.26.

Men’s NCAA Championships take place this weekend, March 22-24, and Brandon Watson will travel to Federal Way, Wash. to compete in the 1-meter and 3-meter diving competitions.

“This is Brandon’s senior year so he’s been working really hard to go out strong, “ BYU head dive coach Keith Russell said. “This meet is never an easy one, but we expect Brandon to make All-American this year.”

To be first-team All-American, one has to finish in spots one through eight, while second-team qualifications are places nine through 16.

Last year, Watson competed through a herniated disc in his back. This year he is in top shape and is expected to compete at his best.

“Brandon is doing a dive that he has never performed at nationals,” Russell said. “He will add a reverse three and a half to his dives on the 3-meter. He’s got a lot he needs to focus on to be able to do well this weekend, but there’s no doubt that he will perform at his best. This should be a very exciting meet.”

The men’s NCAA Championships will take place at Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way, Wash. To see results of this meet visit www.ncaa.com, or check back to the BYU swim and dive homepage.