From the Head of Diving

On Thursday 4th April 2024, 17 students (16 divers and 1 student manager) represented the College at the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Diving Competition. It was an early start with students leaving the College at 7 am for an 8 am warm-up at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. They were transported by Mr. McLouglin in the College bus and accompanied by NSW CCC Diving Manager Mrs. Borg.

Once at the venue, our students wasted no time warming up on the dryland equipment before using every possible minute of board time in the morning training session. They then watched the oldest age groups compete and learned competition etiquette as well as how the judging works.

The second event of the day saw three of our more experienced divers, Rachael Griffiths, Claire De Vos, and Analise Gregoriou compete in the Open Women's Platform Event. This is the first time in quite a while we have fielded divers in a platform event and our students amazed with dives from the 5m platform. All three divers qualified to advance to NSW All Schools with Rachael securing a bronze medal and Claire and Analise finishing 4th and 5th respectively.

Event three was the 14 and 15-year springboard event. We had three divers in the 14-year-old girls and two in the 14-year-old boys event. Rachael added to her medal tally, this time with silver. Claire De Vos placed 5th and Keana Hickey 6th. Our 14-year-old boys outdid themselves in their first competition with Ronan Davis coming 1st, in a closely fought contest, a mere 7 points ahead of Curtis O’Dea who finished 3rd.

Finally, our 12 and 13-year-old divers had their turn. In the 13-year-old girls, we had Ohriana Baumgartner, Amber Bissett, Hannah Farag, and Analise Gregoriou. In the 13-year-old boys, we had Dominic Azar, Antonio Capeski, Alexander Koufos, Matthew Lemura, and Eesa Mir. All divers competed well, most in their first competition. Analise won her event with Hannah 2nd, Amber 4th, and Ohriana 6th. Eesa placed 2nd in the boys with Matthew 4th, Antonio 5th, Alexander 6th, and Dominic 7th. In the 12-year-old boys we were represented by Micah Makari and in the 12-year-old girls, we were represented by Despina Thimiopoulos-Wilson. Both divers won their events in their first competition.

In all, St Andrews College came away with 9 medals and 9 students who will progress to the NSW All Schools Championships next term. St Andrews College won the most medals of any school by far and continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the school diving arena.

Anita Weaver

Head of Diving St Andrews College

NSW CCC Diving Convenor