New Canaan, CT/ March 20, 2014
It was cold outdoors, but the New Canaan YMCA Whirlwind divers were HOT on the boards this past weekend as they dominated the competition to win the USA Diving Spring Junior Region 1 Championship, hosted at their home pool. 213 divers representing 17 teams gathered in New Canaan from 3/14-3/16 to compete for the honor of advancing to the USA Diving East National Championship Meet to be held in Largo, FL next month. Top 6 finishers in each event would advance and 12 Whirlwind divers accomplished this, each diver advancing in both the 1 Meter and the 3 Meter competitions. The Whirlwind Team also won the overall team event with a score of 251 points.
“I am really proud of our kids,” said Head Coach Joe Somma. “The hard work and dedication to their sport showed this weekend. That is why we are the Region 1 Champs and have 12 student-athletes that qualified for the Junior Nationals. “
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Divers who qualified to compete at the East National Championship include: Claire Ross, Bobby Ross, and Kiley Towbin of New Canaan, Jake Bowtell, Timmy Luz, Wiley Schmidt, and Owen Stevens from Darien, Kirsten Parkinson and Rachel Burston of Stamford, Lenny Hibler from Pound Ridge, Allison Courtney of Wilton, and Kevin Bradley from Norwalk.
Most notable performances included Kevin Bradley’s personal best sweep of both the 1M and the 3M events in the 12-13 boys competition, Timmy Luz’s 1st place finish in the boys 14-15 3M event, and Bobby Ross’ spectacular win in the 1M boys 15-18 event.
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Other New Canaan residents competing at the meet were divers George Moore, Katie Kushner, Anne Farley, Cameron Rhind, Griffon Edmonds, and Olivia Park.
There is no rest for these triumphant divers as they are already gearing up for their next competition. “I am looking forward to Nationals, “ says Coach Somma, and so are 12 elated Whirlwind divers.
For additional information about the New Canaan YMCA Whirlwind diving Team, contact Joe Somma at jsomma@newcanaanymca.org.
