Divers make splash 

A pair of RCS Boys Swim Team members are making a splash in the world of competitive swimming as a result of their diving head first into diving competitions with little advanced training.

Sophomore Jason Jasenski and senior Justin Knowles are competing in diving competitions for the RCS Boys Swim Team despite having only approximately a month to learn diving techniques and practice on a board. RCS installed the board at the end of November; diving lessons only started in earnest last month.

Despite their inexperience, Jasenski qualified during his second diving competition on January 11 to compete in the diving competition at sectionals later this winter, Boys Swim Team Coach Kyle Kearney said.

To qualify for section competition, a diver must obtain a score of 140 or higher during his six dives. Kearney said Jasenki earned a score of 146.05.

“These boys have spent every minute available on the boards practicing.  (Aquatics Director and diving instructor) Dave Burns and (diving instructor) Lori Houghtaling have been working with them and many others during clinics that are being held on Sundays as well as during open swim/dive times,” Kearney said.

The clinics are part of the RCS Continuing Education program and are teaching students and members of the public how to dive competitively.