Completed Event: Men's Swimming and Diving versus Arizona Christian on December 13, 2025 ,
M Swimming
vs Arizona Christian
Grand Canyon University Athletics
High School All-American signs with GCU
11/17/2009 4:03:45 PM | Men's Swimming and Diving
One of Arizona's fastest swimmers will be coming to Grand Canyon.
Michael Branning, ranked No. 2 in the state and No. 71 in the nation by CollegeSwimming.com has signed a national letter-of-intent to swim and furhter his education at GCU.
"He's a really talented kid and the prototypical (student-athlete) we're looking for. He's a great kid and a great swimmer," said GCU coach Steve Schaffer.
Branning, a senior at Paradise Valley High School, was the Class 4A-II State Champion in the 50 Freestyle with an automatic high school All-American time of 20.60. His time was faster than any other time from the various Arizona divisions.
He placed second in the 4A-II 100 Freestyle with a time of 45.68, also an All-American time. This summer at the Speedo Western Sectional Championships he posted NCAA II qualifying times in five events (50, 100, 200 and 500 Freestyle events and the 100 Butterfly).
"I like the (swimming) program and they have a good school for nursing and other medical programs."
Branning chose Grand Canyon over UNLV.
His parents met and both graduated from GCU. "They both said it is a great school," Branning added.
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