Cranbrook Cranes Host Regional Diving Competition

Cranbook Kingswood Boys Swimming and Diving hosted the MHSAA Division 3 Region 7-3 Diving Competition on Tuesday night. The contest featured 11 rounds of diving, with eliminations after the 8th round to narrow the field to 16.  Top 12 performers after the remaining three rounds advance to state finals this weekend. 

Divers from Cranbrook and neighboring Madison Heights came together with divers from as far away as Dundee and Port Huron. The field included divers from: Madison Heights Lamphere, Milan High School, Marysville High School, Marine City High School, St. Clair High School, Trenton, Allen Park St. Frances Cabrini, Riverview Community, and Dundee High School.

A few divers looked nervous, as you might expect, but after the first few rounds everyone settled in. Jacob Corl from Dundee, Greg Forster from Marysville, Colby Williams from Milan and Kent Gamber from St. Clair High School began to move ahead of the pack, consistently scoring in the 30 to 40 point range and maintaining a lead over most of the field. 

High scoring dive of the event was Jacob Corl’s 403B, Inward 1½ somersault in the pike position.  acob left the board with a lot of power, kept a tight tuck through the somersaults and straightened nicely for a farily smooth entry.  Good enough to earn him 6.5s and 7s and 46.8 points for this difficulty 2.2 dive. 

Greg Forster started steady and improved as the event progressed, with his best dive in the 8th round. He chose a 405C, inward 2 ½ somersault in tuck position. The dive was spin-tastic, though perhaps a little too powerful to control. 

Colby Williams from Milan had a smooth and solid 43.4 pointer 404C (inward, 2 somersault in tuck position) in the 11th round. The dive had plenty of power, but a little too much energy to control at entry. Kevin Brunner from St. Clair also had a solid high point dive in the 11th round. Kevin had a 43.2 point 105C, forward 2 ½ somersault in tuck position. 

While Jacob, Colby, Greg and Kent were back and forth for the top three throughout the competition, Erik LaCroix from Allen Park, Cody Daniels from Dundee and Kevin Markel vied for a berth in the top 5. Kevin Markel’s second round 105C (forward 2 ½ somersault in tuck position with degree of difficulty of 2.4) was awarded a 40.8. Kent’s energetic version of the 105C earned him a respectable 38.4 points in the following round. Erik had a pretty consistent night, and earned 33 points for his 104C (forward 2 somersault in tuck) in the second round. Cody’s best dive was a 403C, an inward 1½ somersault in tuck position.

Cranes miss final cut

Cranbrook divers had a tough night. While Ray Gagliardi and Grant Glover both made it past the 8th round cuts, they missed top 12. Ray and Grant performed well, considering this is only their second year diving, and their second year competing in the Catholic league. 

“Experience counts,” said Cranbrook Kingswood Coach Scott McHugh. “And this was a good experience for both of our divers. The added competition of regionals provides a building block and sets them up for good performances at states next year.”

McHugh also noted that regional competitions are known for the judges’ added attention to form. 

“Grant and Ray had some very powerful dives, but lost a few points due to some over rotation or twisting," he said. "The more they compete and practice, the more control they will have. We see big things for Grant and Ray next year.” 

Colby Williams dove well all night, earning third place and a grand total of  360.90 points. Coach Robin Love of Milan said he was very pleased with his performance and was happy that all of the hard work this season has paid off. 

"It’s very satisfying to see both Colby Williams and Ian Darling head to states this weekend. Colby probably should have gone to states last year, but he had the misfortune of missing a few dives," he said. "That experience has translated into some poise on and off the board. We’re looking forward to a solid performance for our team at states.”

And since they are both juniors, they will, no doubt, make good use of the experience.

Second place went to Greg Forster of Marysville with 395.40 points.

“Greg has come a long way in a short time,” Coach Mindy Mallwitz said. “Greg finished 10th last year, so he’s made tremendous progress,” she continued.  This despite some confusion tonight over a dive he thought was pike, but had to be done in tuck, which cost him a few tenths in degree of difficulty. “Greg maintained his composure in the face of this last minute change and we’re sure he will do very well this weekend.” 

And the prize goes to Jacob Corl of Dundee High School who earned an outstanding 396.65 points. Jacob had 5 dives with 40 points or more. Dundee Head Coach Kit Daniels applauded Jacob’s consistency.

“Jacob has worked very hard, and that effort shows," he said. "He was part of a larger team that took the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place spots last year. When strong divers and leaders graduate, it’s not always possible for younger divers to step up and take the reins.  But Jacob has done just that. He should be very proud, as we are of him.” 

Head Coach Kit and Diving Coach Bruce Daniels are very pleased with Jacob’s performance, but are also happy to see Cody Daniels, Kit’s son, doing well. The freshman finished in 6th place. Considering he’s only been on the board for a month, that’s a great accomplishment indeed. Looks like the Dundee program has at least two strong divers to help heir program grow over the next few years. 

This update was provided by Patch readers Jo Sikora and Carolyn Stevens, Cranbrook parents that volunteer time to distribute swim team media releases.

Have a story you want to share with the community? You can also always send them to Art.Aisner@Patch.com, with a picture or two and a few details. If you've got a great photo you'd like to share in a quick and easy way please post it on Bloomfield Patch's new "Neighborhood Gallery" by clicking on the button on the homepage.