Ewing, N.J. - December 5, 2009 - The Springfield College men's diving team competed in day two of the TCNJ Invitational in Ewing, N.J. Matt Fitzgerald picked up two more national qualifications, while teammate Kenny Pancoast qualified for his first NCAA event. Fitzgerald dominated the field and exceeded qualifying standards for two more NCAA diving events on Saturday. The senior scored 454.85 points to take the 11-dive one-meter crown, and 292.35 points to lead the field in the six-dive one-meter event. With these scores, Fitzgerald completed a terrific weekend, as he had qualified in both the 11-dive three-meter and six-dive three-meter on Friday evening.
Also qualifying for the national tournament on Saturday was freshman Pancoast. Pancoast qualified in the 11-dive one-meter by scoring 452.5 points, also good enough for a second place finish in the meet. Pancoast also finished fourth in the six-dive one-meter, collecting 258.6 points. Classmate Derek Shaver also competed in the two events, picking up 322.05 points in the 11-dive one-meter, and 190.7 points in the six-dive one-meter.
The Pride will return to action on Saturday, January 9, 2010 when they square-off against both Hartwick and Union in a tri-meet in hosted by Hartwick in Oneonta, N.Y
John Taffe enters his 25th season in 2013-2014 as the head coach of the men's and women's swimming teams at Springfield College. Under Taffe’s leadership, the Pride has returned to its status as one of the best collegiate swimming and diving programs in Division III. Read more.
Peter Avdoulos is regarded as one of the top diving coaches in the nation, and will enter his 28th season as the diving coach for both the men's and women's programs in 2012-2013. The current NEWMAC Men's Diving Coach of the Year, Avdoulos has coached countless All-New England and All-American divers, as well as several National Champions. Read more.