KU Divers Head to NCAA Zones

March 11, 2008

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Senior Jenny Roberts, junior Hannah McMacken, sophomore Meghan Proehl and freshman Erin Mertz will represent the University of Kansas at the NCAA Zone `D’ diving meet March 14-16, in Houston, Texas. Hosted by the University of Houston, the meet will provide the qualified foursome an opportunity to compete for NCAA diving standards in hopes of joining swimming teammate Danielle Herrmann at the 2008 NCAA Championships in Columbus, Ohio, later this month.

Roberts, McMacken, Proehl and Mertz all achieved qualifying marks for the Zone meet earlier in the season and had a strong showing at the 2008 Big 12 Championship meet Feb. 27-March 1, where Kansas placed fourth overall. All four divers placed in the top eight on their respective boards. For the divers’ performances, diving coach Eric Elliott was named Diving Coach of the Meet.

Prior to Big 12s, Mertz was named Big 12 Diver of the Week Feb. 20 for her performance against conference foe Iowa State, while Proehl was named to the Big 12 Winter Good Works Team for her achievements in community service and academics. Roberts, McMacken and Proehl were additionally named to the swimming and diving Academic All-Big 12 First Team for recording cumulative GPAs of 3.2 or higher for two-consecutive semesters.

“It’s going to be a tough competition,” Elliott said. “We will have to be consistent. After our Big 12 performance, these girls are ready to step up to the challenge.”

News and results following the three-day competition can be found on www.kuathletics.com.

Zone `D’ Diving Meet Schedule

FRIDAY, MARCH 14

10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Men’s 3 Meter (based on 20 divers)

3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Women’s 1 Meter (based on 35 divers)

SATURDAY, MARCH 15

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Women’s 3 Meter (based on 35 divers)

3:45 p.m. – 6 p.m. Men’s 1 Meter (based on 20 divers)

SUNDAY, MARCH 16

10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Men’s Platform

12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. Women’s Platform

NCAA Diving Qualifying Standards

1-Meter Diving Points: Dual 255 / 265***

3-Meter Diving Points: Dual 270 / 280***

Platform Diving Points: Dual 260 / 225###

*** – qualifying point total when using six optional dives with standard D.D.

### – qualifying point total when using five optional dives with standard D.D.