Lions sweep top three regional diving spots

CEDAR RAPIDS - Linn-Mar's Sam Wagner, Adelia Clark and Alyssa Deuso have developed a strong friendship through diving.

They weren't ready to call and end to that relationship or the season.

The Lions swept the top three spots of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union regional diving meet Thursday night at Cedar Rapids Kennedy. Wagner won her second straight regional crown with 409.20 points. Clark finished second with 348.35 and Deuso was third, grabbing three of the four automatic berths to the state diving meet Friday, Nov. 4 at Marshalltown YMCA.

“It's awesome,” Wagner said. “We are really close. They are great divers. I'm really excited that we get to go to state together and keep practicing for the next week.”

The results were more expected than surprising. They actually had it on their "to-do" list to demonstrate their ability. It is the first time Linn-Mar has had all three divers qualify for state.

“We have some really good divers this year,” Clark said. “We wanted to get one, two and three this year to show everybody.”

The Lions trio forged a strong bond through training. Deuso said they can be found having dinner with other teammates and watching inspirational sports movies like "Rudy" away from the pool.

“We all just have fun together,” Deuso said. “We try to dive our best. It's good to have a good bond.”

Linn-Mar diving coach Meghan Sievertsen said they get along well, but share a competitive streak. They push each other in practice, but provide a boost for one another.

“It helps,” Clark said. “We cheer on each other. It helps our diving more and more that we know someone else is supporting us.”

They all have different strengths, according to Sievertsen. Wagner is the most accomplished and balanced diver. Clark is a twister and Deuso is a freshman up-and-comer with plenty of potential.

“We watch each other and see each others' mistakes," Deuso said. "We fix them in our own dives, too.”

There wasn't much to fix Thursday. Wagner said she used consistency to reach state for the fourth time. She placed ninth at state last year after top-15 finishes as a freshman and sophomore. Wagner, whose score was just two points off her personal best, has won every competition this season, and has state title aspirations. The next week will be business as usual.

“I don't get super nervous because it's state,” Wagner said. “Do what you can and that's all you can do. I'm competitive so I like big meets.”

Clark is making her first trip to state since placing 17th in 2008 as a freshman.

“I'm excited,” Clark said. “I've been working really hard all year. I'm ready for state.”

The more teammates the merrier, according to Wagner. She welcomes the larger Linn-Mar contingent at state.

“It will be a lot more fun and exciting,” Wagner said. “Familiar faces are always good.”

REGIONAL DIVING

At C.R. Kennedy

Teams - 1. Linn-Mar 53, 2. C.R. Kennedy 37, 3. C.R. Jefferson 22, 4. Fairfield 15, 5. Bettendorf 7.

Individuals - 1. *Sam Wagner (LM), 409.20, 2. *Adelia Clark (LM), 348.35, 3. *Alyssa Deuso (LM), 333.50, 4. *Jaci Bell (F), 320.45, 5. Tori Spaulding (CRK), 297.30, 6. Mo Groe (CRJ), 282.65, 7. Jocelyn Nelson (CRK), 265.25, 8. Carolyn Simon (CRK), 263.00, 9. Justine Wieser (CRJ), 242.25, 10. Lauren Day (B), 193.70.

* - Automatic state qualifiers.

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