The University of Evansville diving team didn’t spend their Spring Break laying on the beach like many students. Instead, juniors Andy Balzco and Jennifer Childers were accompanied by freshman Sadie Wells at Purdue University for the NCAA Zone C Diving Championships.

While the rest of the swimming and diving team took a few weeks to recuperate from a long season, these divers headed back to the pool after conference championships to begin training for zones. “At times it was frustrating and exhausting because everyone was done, and we had to keep going,” said Childers.

Her frustration might have been made worse because Childers qualified for the meet after her spring break plans had already been made so she had to cancel the arrangements. “It was disappointing to be here when no one else was, but in the end it was definitely worth it,” said Childers.

Although the divers spent their Spring Break on campus, they didn’t let it go to waste. They spent their time outside of practice with each other, going to the movies and just relaxing. “We hung out a lot, and we’re really close anyway so it was fun,” said Wells.

The UE divers were able to compete against some of the best divers in the world, as Zone C is known to produce not only national champions but also Olympic qualifiers. “I really enjoyed seeing the amazing caliber of the divers at this meet and being able to see the best of the best perform,” said Balzco.

For Balzco the meet represented a second chance. “It was great that all the hard work that I have been putting into this year was going to something that didn’t end at conference where I didn’t do as well as I had hoped. I had the chance to try to make it up at this meet. Going into zones, I knew I was there for the experience, so there was less pressure.”

Diving coach Eric Blevins felt that this meet would positively influence the team as well. “I think that having the divers compete at such a high level of competition was a great learning experience and will help them improve throughout the next couple years.”

The divers definitely showed Blevins that they were excited about this opportunity. “It was amazing to compete at this level and to represent the University of Evansville,” said Wells.