March 7, 2012

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky diving team will head to Bloomington, Ind., on the campus of Indiana University to take part in the 2012 NCAA Zone Diving Competition, in hopes of qualifying for the 2012 NCAA Championships this week. Zone competition will run from March 8-10 with competitions slated for the duration of the day all three days.

All of the University of Kentucky divers on the roster will be competing for a spot in the NCAA Championships including four-time SEC Diver of the Week Greg Ferrucci and John Fox.

“We are looking forward to the NCAA Zone Meet,” UK diving coach Ted Hautau said. “We have a young team, so for all of the women, and two of the men, it is their first experience at a zone qualifying meet. It is an exciting opportunity to dive in this format.”

Divers will compete one list of dives, and then the top 18 divers on springboard will turn around and 15 minutes later and have to compete in another set of dives on the platform.

“With this being a large meet, so it will really test our mental toughness.” Hautau said.

There are 63 women that will be competing for seven spots and 49 men competing for six spots that will qualify for the NCAA Championships.

“To make it to the NCAA Championships this year, a diver is likely going to have to be in the top three of springboard or top two on platform. It should be a great meet, and we are looking forward to the battle.” Hautau said.

For continuing coverage of the 2012 season, log on to UKAthletics.com.