The boys diving team performed well at their Sectional meet on Saturday, Feb. 22. The three divers left Munster High School with the following places: Alexander Morgan (10), first, Drake Hunt (9), third, Christopher Rath (12), sixth.

Morgan proved that his hard work and dedication paid off when he won first place after coming in 12th the previous year.

“[Being Sectional Champion is] amazing. The first thing I thought of was all the people praying for me and cheering me on, not just that day but all season. All of the times I didn’t want to stay late after school or get up at 4:30 [a.m.] sucked so bad. I really was pushed this year, but when I won I realized that it was totally worth it,” Morgan said.

Thomas Slivka, diving coach, had set goals for the divers at the beginning of the season and has worked with them six days a week to reach those ambitions.

“I think the boys did well at Sectionals. Alex has been a strong diver throughout the season, but he struggled with staying consistent in competition. He had to train himself to remove himself mentally from the competition (not watching other divers) so that he was able to dive well in the competitive moment. This was something he learned later in the season,” Slivka said. “Drake did well and carries tons of potential for such a young diver. A lot of things come easily to him, so he needs tap into his work ethic to reach his true potential. Chris has always been a reliable competitor for me, and his leadership on the team will be missed.”

On the girls side, Abigail Prince (12) also gained a winning Sectional title under the coaching of Slivka.

“I have always been interested in the success of the athlete over whether or not they like me. I always push kids hard, and not a lot of them can handle it, but only true champions understand that when a teacher gets upset it’s only because they want so badly for you to succeed,” Slivka said.

Morgan and Hunt will advance to Regionals on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Penn. If they place in the top 8 they will advance to State.

Gallery • 3 Photos

Drake Hunt (9) and Christopher Rath (12) dry themselves off and joke around before their last dive at Sectionals. Being around each other helped take some of the pressure off.