Diving helps Tommies stomp Spartans

MARYSVILLE Sophomore Sarah Clark broke a three-year-old diving record Oct. 4, helping M-P to a 126-57 thrashing of Stanwood.
My first dive was required, but it was probably the two-and-a-half twist (that did it), Clark said, referring to her final dive that drew scores of sevens and eights to clinch her record.
Overall, Clarks six dives combined for a 261.70 score, almost 100 points better than the nights second-place finisher and 2.65 points better than M-P alum Brittany Bergs 2004 record.
The record is not the only one Clark can break this season, though. While a typical swim and dive meet allows each diver six dives, Berg still holds the school record for 11-dive competition. Its a mark Clark can attempt in the District One diving competition at M-P, Oct. 20.
Ive known that she could definitely be that record holder up there, but this is the beginning of a whole new chapter for Sarah, said M-P swim and dive coach Jaci Legore Hodgins. We believe when it comes to her diving career, its just real obvious that shes gaining more height, shes throwing some dives at a very high degree of difficulty, and her confidence is up because shes a year older and a year wiser.
Though teammates Kalyn Thomas and Addie Dittenber were about 100 points behind Clark, both boasted a personal-best score, with 167 and 146.25 respectively.
The rest of the Tomahawk swimmers stepped up as well, taking first in 10 of the 12 varsity events. Juniors Kami Girard, Amanda Vincelette and Emily Reinig went 1-2-3 in the 100 freestyle.
It was a breakthrough night for Reinig, who qualified for districts with her time in the 100 freestyle. Despite competing in the 50 freestyle on the junior varsity team, Reinig shaved almost a full second off her last swim in the M-P pool, qualifying for districts with a 28.26 time that bested several varsity swimmers.
Another underclassman, sophomore Cassie Hathaway, had a great night. With a 7:03.00 time in the JV 500 freestyle, Hathaway was more than 11 seconds faster than the next JV swimmer and, according to Legore Hodgins, proved she can swim the event at the next level.
The home swimmers also went 1-2 in two different events: junior Melinda Blomberg and freshman Amy Renslo finished a second apart in district-qualifying times for the top two spots in the 200 individual medley. Sophomores Leah Gordon and Megan Shoemaker just edged Stanwoods Christina Garrett in the 100 breaststroke, with Shoemakers margin of victory a slight five-hundredths of a second.
Other first-place finishes for M-P were the 200 medley relay, Renslo in the 100 butterfly, Blomberg in the 500 freestyle, the 200 freestyle relay, Girard in the 100 backstroke and the 400 freestyle relay.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.