The elite in diving showed up on Saturday morning in Dexter. And by “elite” we mean the very best in the state sprang into action at the Wylie Pool – unfortunately only a few spectators got to see these amazing athletes.
“You simply won’t see better girls diving in the state of Michigan at any other dual meet than at Wylie pool (Saturday),” said Dexter Coach Cory Bergen.
The impressive lineup featured Dexter’s Lily Witte, Elysa Grossman and Vivian Kinnard along with Huron’s Annie Costello and Julie Park as the two schools met in an SEC crossover dual-meet.
As a junior last year, Costello won the Division 1 State Finals at the Holland Community Aquatic Center. She finished with 425.40 points to beat out Mercy junior Ciara McCliment (403.75) for the title.
Witte led a Dexter “team” that had three divers among the top eight at the Division 2 State Finals at Oakland University. As a freshman, she won rather easily with a score of 468.40 points – Okemos freshman Caroline Li was second at 426.30. Kinnard took fifth overall with 399.55 and Grossman was eighth at 365.25.
Witte, Kinnard and Costello also were NISCA High School All-Americans last year.
“Lily is an amazing and unique athlete when looking at how she helps out in a significant way on the swim side as well,” says Bergen. “Kinnard and Grossman are also two of the best divers in our program’s history. Fortunately, none of them are seniors.”
Despite the lack of preparation – only recently were indoor pools allowed to reopen – these incredible athletes put up some impressive numbers.
Witte took first place with 276.30 points, just ahead of Costello who took second with 265.80. Grossman took third (213.70), Kinnard was fourth (202.75), Park took fifth (177.25) and Huron’s Margaret Thomas was sixth (133.90).
Dexter won the dual-meet 113-73.
