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February 19, 2009
HFFA's CAROLINA DIVING ACADEMY ATHLETES SCORE AT STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Academy Now Recruiting Divers for Spring Training
HUNTERSVILLE – Ryan Hawkins, a junior at East Gaston High School, led the way for Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics’ Carolina Diving Academy during the North Carolina High School Athletic Association state 4-A and 3-A swimming and diving championships in the Raleigh/Durham area this past weekend. Hawkins claimed the NCHSAA boys 4-A state diving title.
“I am really proud of Ryan,” said Aaron Hintz, head coach of the Carolina Diving Academy. “As part of our Elite team, he trains in excess of 15 hours every week year-round. Considering the outstanding level of diving in North Carolina, winning the high school state championship is truly a great accomplishment.”
In 2008, when he was runner-up at the state meet, Hawkins finished 13th at the Speedo USA Diving Spring National Championships; finaled on 1-meter, 3-meter, and platform at the USA Diving Speedo Junior National Championships, placing as high as 7th on platform; and was the AAU National Champion on 1-meter, 3-meter, and platform.
Hawkins was joined in 4-A boys’ division competition by fellow Academy divers Logan Whitlock, a junior at Hopewell High School in Huntersville, and Sazzy Gourley, a freshman at Myers Park High School in Charlotte. Whitlock placed sixth and Gourley placed seventh among 23 divers scored. Academy diver Madeline Keeley, a freshman at Providence High School, placed fifth in the 4-A girls’ division.
In the 3-A girls’ division, Academy divers Katie Fraboni, a junior at T.C. Roberson High School in Charlotte, placed second – just ahead of third-place finisher and Academy teammate Kyle Lynn Kotowski, a junior at Lake Norman High School.
“Sazzy and Madeline have bright futures in this sport,” said Hintz. “They are both very new to diving and are just beginning to figure out the sport. As freshmen, this experience will be invaluable to their development. They are sure to compete for the top spots in the coming years.
“Logan is the perfect example of an athlete who can balance varied interests,” Hintz continued. “He is an Eagle Scout and troop leader in the Boy Scouts, has multiple hobbies, and practices with our Intermediate team three times per week. This is his highest finish at the state meet; I am really excited for him.
“Katie just started with our program, gauging from her interest and enthusiasm, this second place finish is a harbinger of great things to come,” Hintz added. “Kyle came to us right after the high school season last year with no experience and said she wanted to learn how to dive. For her to place third at the 3A state meet in her first appearance really says a lot about her spirit and work ethic.”
For full state championship results, visit www.nchsaa.org.
Carolina Diving Academy Recruiting Divers for Spring Training:
Openings are available for athletes age 5 and up interested in learning or training with the Carolina Diving Academy at HFFA this spring. The spring quarter training session begins March 9. For more information or to apply, contact Head Coach Aaron Hintz at (704) 766-2222 or ahintz@huntersville.org.
About Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics (HFFA):
Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics is about family, fitness and fun. Dedicated HFFA staffers produce an exciting variety of programs and partnerships that connect the community and enable members to experience and achieve the most in health, wellness, and total fitness. Built in 2001, the 88,000-square-foot HFFA facility features state-of-the-art aquatic and fitness components, including a 50-meter pool, a 25-yard warm water pool, an outdoor family fun pool, full-court gymnasium, complete fitness center, and group exercise studio. As the only public facility in the Southeast with an Olympic-sized, 50-meter competition pool and 10-meter dive tower, HFFA regularly hosts aquatics events with up to 2,000 spectators for regional, national, and international swim and dive competitions. For more information, please call (704) 766-2222 or visit www.hffa.com.
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