Junior diver Miles Sweeney is the only Bulldog guaranteed a trip to Lincoln in late February for the State tournament. He achieved the goal of 300 points with a 310.65 outing at the Bulldog’s lone home meet on Thursday, January 26.
As for his motivation, “knowing that last year’s seniors all went to State and I didn’t, so trying to be like them, and then Jahnke fueling me up, and giving me the confidence,” he said. That motivation had some effect, as his score is almost 35 points higher than his high from last season. “It feels pretty great, knowing that I’ve improved so much, and that all the time spent working on my dives has really made a difference,” he said.
Sweeney knows he has a spot at State, but notes that that’s not the end. “It’s nice, but it’s kind of rough at the same time because you realize your work is only beginning. You’re actually going to State, and you have to focus more and try and perfect your dives, and make them the best they can be,” he said.
Diving isn’t an easy task and that’s what Sweeney says he likes most about it. “My favorite part about diving is showing people that it’s actually pretty rough. It’s not just jumping off a board, there’s actually technique,” he said.
Sweeney’s favorite dive is his reverse dive, which he says is his best dive. His least favorite is his forward double. “It’s a somersault, and sometimes I’ll over do it. When I made State, I hit my face,” he said.
Sweeney is happy with his progression from last year to this year, but wants to finish this season with a score above 320. He has his eyes set on the school record for next year as well.
Sweeney has three meets left before the State meet, totalling four chances to get that 320, one today, one tomorrow and then GNAC next weekend. Best of luck to him and the rest of the team.