March 11, 2006
COLUMBUS, Ohio -
Senior diver Emily Hirt finished her career with the Redbirds at Ohio State in the NCAA Zone C Diving Qualifying Meet. The meet began Saturday, March 11 at 10:30 a.m. with a preliminary round on the three-meter board. From the preliminary round the top 19 divers moved on to the final round. Hirt placed in the top 40 regionally with a score of 204.05 on the three-meter board. Although Hirt did not advance to the final round, she was happier with her performance at today's competition.
"I dove better today," said Hirt. "Today was fun, and I am so grateful that I had a lot of people come out to see me compete. I know that I am loved and blessed. I am so glad that I got the opportunity to be coached by Tom (Davidson). He always had faith in me and he got me here. It has been a privilege to represent Illinois State and I am so proud to be a Redbird."
The Zone Qualifying Meet marks the end of Hirt's career at Illinois State, but she plans on staying close to the boards. She will be student teaching in the fall in Mundelein, Ill. where she will be assisting with the swimming and diving program.
Head diving coach Tom Davidson was happy with the way Hirt finished her season.
"Emily dove better today," said Davidson. "I am very proud of her performance, she followed the game plan. "Today she was more confident about her diving in every aspect. She gave the crowd that came to see her something to watch. Emily has made it easy for my first year coaching the diving team. It was nice working with her and today she ended her diving career on a high note."
