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Posted: 4:58 PM Jan 26, 2012
Local divers make a big splash
Once again the area will be well represented in the state swimming meet in the next few weeks. But what might not realize, the diving program in the area has come a long way as well. Matter of fact, there will be 11 area divers going for a state crown as well.
Reporter: Kevin Faigle Email Address: kevin.faigle@wrdw.com |
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Thursday January 26, 2012
Augusta, Ga--Once again the area will be well represented in the state swimming meet in the next few weeks. But what might not realize, the diving program in the area has come a long way as well. Matter of fact, there will be 11 area divers going for a state crown as well.
They strive for perfection.. sometimes its there... Sometimes its not...
But the sport of diving has ballooned in the last few years here in the CSRA
"The neat thing about diving is you see success immediately and you see continued success." said coach Jim Tingen
Lakeside senior Ben Bissell has been with the Augusta Diving Club pretty much since the beginning. This year marks his third trip to states
"My sophomore year I wasn't so great and I always wanted to excel and do better" said Ben Bissell "Then junior year, I finally made it to states and finished 14th out of 43 and this year I'm shooting for top 10."
On the other end of the spectrum, Ayanna Woods of Greenbrier. Just moved to the area from Hawaii and has a strong gymnastics background. It certainly helps.
"In gymnastics you learn a lot about flexibility and yes, body control" said Ayanna Woods " But I mainly took a lot of flexibility from it and it definitely helped for some of my positions that I do for diving."
"It's important to have that body control, that gymnastics type of experience" added coach Tingen "And a little bit maybe of dare devil but also, smart caution."
Same with Meghan Zets, who was also a cheerleader
"Without gymnastics and all that it's a lot harder to learn the flips and everything and I've been doing gymnastics since I was like little" said Meghan Zets
Her biggest adjustment, the landing area
"It wasn't really a mental block, it was more of the falling part because I was use to falling on the ground and I knew how to fall on the ground but I didn't know how to fall in water.".
Both Meghan and Ben have won the CSRA Championships the last two years. In two weeks, they, along with nine others from the area will dive for the top prize.
