Kiski Area divers highlight Class AAA lineups
Maybe the interest just isn't there anymore. Maybe it's because many schools have taken out their diving boards for insurance reasons. Maybe it's because of the subjectivity of judging in the sport.
Whatever the reason, diving in the A-K Valley has taken a backseat, many times, to swimming. At Kiski Area, though, the divers seem to rule the pool.
Led by junior Josh Ruane, who placed 12th at last year's WPIAL meet, the Cavaliers hope to qualify at least five divers for championships this season.
The key, however, is to qualify for WPIALs as early in the season as possible, leaving plenty of time to work on extra dives that will be required at championships.
"There is even more pressure on (the divers) because they're at the mercy of three guys (scoring)," coach Ron Ruggeri said. "The sooner they can qualify, the sooner the pressure is off."
Ruggeri, a competitive diver during his college years, explained that the subjectivity of judging at the high school level often leaves young athletes disappointed and frustrated with their scores.
"You're hard-pressed to tell them what they did wrong," he said, "or explain why they got a 5 instead of a 7.
"Often times, the kids feel bad and say, 'Oh, I've done a bad job,' when they really haven't."
Ruggeri said Dessie Mitcheson, who finished 13th last year at WPIALs, is expected to make a return trip to the championship meet. In addition, Ruggeri expects big things from freshman Torrie Brungo in her first varsity season.
"There's not doubt she'll qualify for championships," Rugerri said. "And there are high expectations once she gets there."
In the pool for the Cavaliers, Ruggeri said his team is made up of a young group, with about six returning swimmers who should qualifying for WPIALs.
"We have one, maybe two guns as seniors. The rest is much younger," he said. "Our sights are set on WPIALs, and hopefully beyond that."
Additional Information:
Details
Class AAA swimming and diving
Fox Chapel (Section 2)
Coach: Todd Clark
Ones to watch: Swimmers Megan Knox, sr.; Carol Lin, so.; Hillary Lotz, so.; Peter Coulson, sr.; Paul Weinstein, jr.
Kiski Area (Section 3)
Coach: Ron Ruggeri
Ones to watch: Swimmers Breanne Derry, sr.; Sabrina Hyde, so.; Blair Woolheater, sr.; Brett Meeder, jr. Divers Josh Ruane, jr.; Dessie Mitcheson, so.; Torrie Brungo, fr.
Plum (Section 3)
Coach: Richard Bailey
Ones to watch: Swimmers Kayla Joy, so.; Andrea Shuba, so.; Adam Plance, jr.; Tom McElhaney, jr.; R.J. Fazio, so. Diver Nicole Yankoski, so.
