Upper St. Clair sophomore Amanda Lohman had all the motivation she needed Saturday to compete in the WPIAL Class AAA girls diving championships.
A year ago, Lohman finished 21st at the PIAA championships. With that performance still fresh in her mind, Lohman took first place in yesterday's competition at Pine Richland High School.
She also can seek redemption at this year's state championships.
"I'm so excited, and I'm so glad that I get to go back for another chance," Lohman said.
Lohman scored a 434.25 at the WPIALs, and is one of five girl divers that qualified to compete in the state championships, which will be held at Bucknell on March 18.
"Amanda is very driven," Upper St. Clair coach Nick Wuchenich said. "She knows what she wants and she goes and gets it."
Seneca Valley sophomore Diana Rocco finished second with a score of 430.45, improving upon her 24th-place finish as a freshman. Abby Brandt of Mt. Lebanon placed third with a score of 416.50. Butler's Jessica Schnur and Penn Trafford's Terri Lynn Shigle placed fourth and fifth, respectively.
The boys competition came down to a friendly battle between Greater Latrobe senior Charlie Hauser and Franklin Regional freshman Ryan Koter.
Regardless of being good friends and diving mates at the Pitt Aquatics Club, Hauser and Koter kept to themselves during the WPIALs.
At the conclusion of the competition, though, Hauser stood on the medal stand in first place with Koter to his left in second when the two finally exchanged a few words.
"We just wanted to do our own thing. We knew it was going to be close," Hauser said. "When we were on the medal stand, we were congratulating each other."
Hauser recorded a 454.50, while Koter was right behind him with a 446.80. With the scores so close heading into the 11th round, both divers knew the final attempt would determine the winner.
"My coach just told me to stand up and do the dive the way I know how," Koter said. "I didn't expect to score this high. I'm just glad I qualified to go to states."
The top five male and female Class AAA finishers advance to the state championships at Bucknell. Gateway's Mehran Hedjazi, Shaler's Scott Klugh and Butler's John Rhodaberger finished third, fourth and fifth, respectively.
"I just wanted to do my overall best; I wasn't worried about anyone else," Hauser said. "Finishing in first place is an added bonus."
After an eighth-place finish in last year's WPIAL competition, Hauser was not only more determined and dedicated to the sport, but he also is more appreciative of his diving experience.
Hauser missed the first half of last season with a broken foot and knew if he stayed healthy, he could improve upon last year's performance. Now, he'll have the chance to prove himself further at the PIAA championships.
"I'm just excited to make it to states this year," Hauser said.
