Swimming: O'Neill Takes Second

By Andria Alvarez for WVUsports.com
February 10, 2012 09:29 PM

Matt O'Neill

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.– Senior Matt O’Neill of the West Virginia swimming and diving team took second in the 3-meter diving competition during the diving portion of the 2012 BIG EAST Swimming and Diving Championships at Trees Pool in Pittsburgh, Pa., Friday evening.

"Exciting day for the divers," says coach Michael Grapner. "I am pleased with all of them and their hard work has paid off. I am so pleased to have a team of divers to represent WVU."

O’Neill was seeded sixth going into the finals with a score of 284.95. After a series of six rounds, O’Neill finished the competition with a score of 321.50. His final dives included a reverse 2.5 somersault tuck and a back 2.5 somersault pike.

"Matt O'Neill stepped up and showed us a strong very consistent performance," says Grapner. "He stayed very focused and hit every dive."

As for the rest of the divers, Richard Pokorny finished the competition in ninth place with a score of 250.75. Jenn Rey finished on the 1-meter in 15th with a score of 220.55 and a 217.60 in the consolations. Haily VandePoel placed 17th scoring a 215.85.

"Tomorrow will be another great day when the men take the 1-meter and Haily reps on the 3-meter," says Grapner. "I have high expectations for good performances from all the divers."

The championships will continue tomorrow at noon with the men’s 1-meter preliminaries and the women’s 3-meter preliminaries. The finals will begin at 6 p.m.

[View Category Article List]