Complete ResultsSpringfield, Mass. - March 1, 2013 - Tufts University's Johann Schmidt captured the NCAA Division III Regional Diving Championship on the three-meter board Friday evening to automatically qualify to compete at the upcoming NCAA Championships.
Schmidt, who recently earned the NESCAC Men's Diver of the Year award and was the NCAA Division III National Champion on the one-meter last year, ran away with the title after scoring a 588.95. He is the lone automatic qualifier on the night, while the top four finishers on the three-meter board have unofficially qualified for the NCAA's. Final determinations on who will officially qualify will not be determined until Saturday afternoon, following the completion of the one-meter event.
Springfield College's Kenny Pancoast had a strong showing to finish as the runner-up, scoring a 549.85. Miguel Hummel from RPI placed third with a 537.80, and Amherst College's Asher Lichtig (527.70) and Colin White (493.70) finished fourth and fifth, respectively.
Eight total men's divers will advance from this regional to compete in the NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships in Shenandoah, Texas on March 20-23.
The competition will continue on Saturday when the men's one-meter competition begins at 4:15 pm.
John Taffe enters his 24th season in 2012-2013 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.