Greenwich YMCA Marlins Dive Club Wins 4 National Titles

Four members of the Greenwich YMCA Marlins Diving Club gave national title-winning performances during the 2013 Summer AAU National Diving Competition.

Out of 48 teams across the country, the Marlins quartet finished eighth in the competition held July 23 through July 29, in San Antonio, TX.

"This meet was the first national competition of the season and for these four divers," said Coach Dylan Korn. "To walk away with four national titles was a huge accomplishment!"

The divers who represented the Marlins were Casey and Saylor Kirsch of Riverside, Myles Spiess of Greenwich, and Devon Ott of Rye, NY.

Devon dominated the 9-year-old girls age group with a double win on the 1- and 3-meter springboard events. “This is Devon’s first year on our Junior Olympic team and she has worked very hard,” said Korn. “Devon always strives to do her best and to accomplish her goals. That’s what makes her such a good competitor.”

Accompanying Devon in the 9 and under categories was Myles. This was Myles’s first Nationals and he took home the silver medal in the 3-meter event and was sixth in the 1-meter event. “Myles has been a great asset to our team this year,” said Korn. “He has a lot of natural talent for this sport and we are really excited to watch him progress in the upcoming years.”

Rounding out the Marlins successful nationals was the synchronized diving team of twin 11-year-olds Casey and Saylor Kirsch of Riverside. They dove to a gold medal in the 13 & Under Synchronized Diving Girls 3-meter event. With 24 other pairs, the Kirschs grabbed the gold medal edging out Boston’s team by 1.31 points.

“The synchronized event was a thrill to watch, “said Korn. “In a very stressful and highly competitive meet, the girls stayed very relaxed and focused.”

In the individual events, Saylor finished second in the platform event, third in the 1-meter event and sixth in the 3-meter event. Casey topped off the national titles with a gold in the 3-meter event and placed ninth in the platform event and 16th in the 1-meter competition.

The Marlins will be back in the pool Wednesday for the final USA Diving Junior National Championship which will be held in Minneapolis, MN, through Aug. 9.

The YMCA of Greenwich Marlins Diving Club offers classes for all levels and ages. The competitive team competes at local, regional and national meets and invitational tournaments with the goal of qualifying for Nationals. For more information, please visit www.marlinsdiveclub.com or email them at marlinsdiving@gmail.com