Kennedy's diving duo continues tradition

CEDAR RAPIDS - Cedar Rapids Kennedy has a strong tradition of girls' diving.Savannah Schott and Liz Hayes will try to carry on that tradition, competing in the Mississippi Valley Conference meet tonight at Loras College in Dubuque. The meet begins tonight at 5 with diving competition and resumes Saturday at noon with swim events.Schott and Hayes are among the state's best in the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Power Rankings. Schott is seventh in both six and 11 dives, while Hayes is 10th and eighth, respectively.According to Kennedy diving coach Leslie Nelson, the diving duo thrive off one another, often alternating top finishes. They seem to motivate each other, however. they have reached this point via different paths.Schott, a gymnast who stopped competing due to injury, came out for diving for the first time as a senior. She discusses what led to her decision to join the Cougars swimming and diving program.

Kennedy head coach John Ross said he has been impressed with Schott's positive attitude and willingness to try new dives. She is just in her ninth week of diving. Her ability to catch on has amazed her coaches. She has advanced to the point of attempting dives with a 2.5 degree of difficulty.“It's gone surprisingly well,” said Schott. “I never thought I'd do this well, and I'm getting first or second. It's really exciting. i enjoy it.”

Hayes is an established diver, earning all-Metro honors. She has qualified for the state finals each of the last two season, placing 12th last year.“One of my main goals is top qualify for state again for the third time,” said Hayes, a junior. “And, also, to make the podium this year.”

Ross said Hayes has been a leader, flolurishing with Schott's addition to the team, and they have benefitted from each other.Kennedy has produced some excellent divers in the past. Meghan Sievertsen, Kara Hajek and Andrea Shields all won state titles and highlight the Cougars' diving success. Sievertsen claimed three state titles. All three went on to dive at NCAA Division I programs. Hayes leads the way to continue that tradition.

Kennedy has been the top team in the Metro so far this season and will battle Cedar Falls and Iowa City West, the MVC's current Valley and Mississippi Division leaders. The Cougars are hoping for a boost from tonight's diving.“Our divers have been really consistent and have scored very well,” said Ross, who praised Nelson for her work with the divers. “We're definitely going to get started on the right foot. There's no doubt about that.”