Nov. 13, 2001
EVANSTON, Ill. - Senior diver Elliot Massuda (Valparaiso, Ind./Valparaiso) qualified for the NCAA Diving Zones at the dual against No. 15 Wisconsin last week.
Massuda qualified in the 1-meter event with a score of 321.15, but is eligible to compete in any event at the NCAA Diving Zones, held at Purdue March 15. The qualifying standard for the 1-meter is 290.00.
Head diving coach Tom Michael believes the changes Massuda has made this year helped him qualify in only the second dual meet of the season.
"Elliot is really coming into his own this year. He's riding the board well, really concentrating on his boardwork, and his mechanics have improved tenfold," Michael said, adding that Massuda could be a contender for the Big Ten diving championship.
"It's very reassuring to qualify that early in the season. Now we can focus on what we need to do to prepare for the Big Tens."
Massuda, who has taken first place in five of the six diving events he has competed in this season, is currently NU's only diver. Sophomore Adam Barker has been sidelined due to illness and is not expected to return soon.
Massuda's success has been a strength to the men's swimming team as well. According to Michael, "The swimmers have come to believe in the diving program. They perform better knowing that we're doing our part."
The Wildcats will be in action this weekend for their biggest home event of the season. They host the NU Invitational, which includes Louisville, Southern Illinois and Purdue, Friday through Sunday at the Norris Aquatics Center.