Deer Park 8th Grader Takes Top Spot on Varsity Dive Team

Ben Wilkonski, an eighth-grader at Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School, finished in first place on the Deer Park varsity diving team against North Babylon. With a score of 176.10, his feat qualified him for the state qualifying diving championships at SUNY Brentwood in February. He is currently ranked 20th in Suffolk County high schools and is the top-ranked eighth-grader.

Wilkonski had been a diver on the Robert Frost swim team since seventh grade, before moving up to the varsity level as an eighth-grader.

“He was such a exceptional diver that we knew he needed stronger competition,” said coach Craig Mangio. “You will be hearing much more about Ben in the future, he is one determined boy.”

Photo by Deer Park School District: Deer Park eighth-grader and first place varsity diver Ben Wilkonski was congratulated by Robert Frost Middle School Associate Principal Gary Ramonetti for qualifying for the state diving championships.