INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – A pair of sophomores on the Cleveland State University men's swimming & diving team competed at the USA Diving Senior National Championships last week at the Indiana University Natatorium.
Matt Akers and Trevor Mahoney became the first two Vikings to compete at the USA National Championships in the 16-year tenure of current diving coach Rich Karban.
Both Vikings first had to qualify for the event through the USA Diving National Qualifier. Akers and Mahoney both posted qualifying scores in the 1-meter event while Akers also qualified for the 3-meter event.
Akers had a strong showing in the 3-meter event at the National Championships, placing 21st with 312.05 points. He finished just 7.60 points behind a spot that would have advanced him into the semifinal round. His highest scoring dive was a back 2.5 somersault pike that earned 63 points. The 3-meter field included Olympic gold medalist David Boudia along with fellow Olympian Michael Hixon, who won the event.
In the 1-meter event, Akers finished 24th overall with 257.60 points while Mahoney was 35th with 213.85 points.