|
Published: January 10, 2007 10:55 pm
HS DIVING: NT's Hoffman no longer an underdog
By Tim Schmitt
Greater Niagara Newspapers
NORTH TONAWANDA —
A little competition with your buddies is always fun, right?
Especially when those friends happen to have placed among the state’s elite, as is the case with North Tonawanda diver Shawn Hoffman, the fourth-best high school diver in last year’s state competitions.
While Hoffman’s accomplishments as a sophomore were impressive, he had even loftier goals in this, his junior year. To beat Ian O’Rourke, the Grand Island diver who’s taken the state title in each of the last two seasons, and Lancaster’s Nate Geary would give Hoffman bragging rights when the three get together at UB’s Wings program.
Hoffman has done just that, stunning the local diving world by upsetting O’Rourke twice this season in head-to-head meetings.
“It’s a friendly competitive thing. Every since I’ve been seriously diving, I’ve chased him,” Hoffman said of his relationship with O’Rourke. “He set the standard in our area. It’s always kind of been my goal to take a run and see what I can do. It’s been good so far.”
O’Rourke is still considered the favorite, as would be assumed with consecutive state titles to his credit. But Hoffman’s second win over the reigning champ gave him a major shot of credibility in the diving world.
Niagara Falls coach Ed Maynard admitted he was stunned to hear that Hoffman had beaten O’Rourke twice.
“It was definitely a surprise. The first time you think maybe it was a fluke, but beating the state champ twice in a row, that’s not a fluke,” Maynard said. “But he’s a hardworking kid.
“We were very surprised. We’ve been watching (Hoffman) for the past few years and he just really just kind of blossomed. Kind of worked for it and he’s diving beautifully right now.”
Hoffman said he knew after burying his first dive on Tuesday, a reverse pike, that he had a chance to beat O’Rourke again. Hoffman had been struggling with his opening dive in recent weeks, but stuck it on Tuesday.
“I came out and absolutely drilled it, the best I’ve done it in a long time,” he said. “And that really got me going. It was a good feeling.”
What Maynard said is even more incredible than Hoffman’s wins over O’Rourke is his prowess in the pool. He’s one of the league’s best in the 100 butterfly and contributes in other ways.
“He’s a natural athlete, a nice kid and he’s well-liked by the others,” Maynard said. “He can do some amazing things.”
But with added accomplishment comes added pressure and Hoffman, who knows he’s drawn the full attention of a friend who happens to be a two-time state champ, knows he’s got work ahead.
“I used to be the underdog, where it was a win-win, as long as I competed,” he said. “Now I’ve got a little bit of added pressure. But I usually do well in pressure situations. I don’t want to jinx it, but I do.”
Contact group sports editor Tim Schmitt at 282-2311, Ext. 2266.
|
|
|
Photos
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Auditor/Accountant
CIVIL SERVICE EXAMS EXAM DATE: 1/9/10 FILING PERIOD: 11/9/09 -11/25/09 Applicants for both exams mu...>MORE
Packers
Packers, General Production & Assembly 1st, 2nd and 3rd shifts Sanborn, Tonawanda & Amherst. Re...>MORE
COLLECTORS
Exp. collectors, high hrly., low cash goals, 20% overage, 500 4 hitting, Chuck @ 597-2538...>MORE
Facilities Director
Facilities Director Strategically manage commercial and residential portfolios onsite in US and Canada. Exe...>MORE
Customer Service
Customer Service Immed. F/T position. Includes weekends. Must be customer oriented, computer ...>MORE
FLOOR ASSISTANT
Floor asst. needed for approx. 30-35 hrs/wk in a podiatry office, no exp. nec., will train, call between 12-2:30 pm for ...>MORE
Instructors
Join Our Team! Would you like to work on a top performing team who is ranked 17th in the nation and have the opport...>MORE
Assistant Director
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Alumni Relations (ft) sought by the Alumni Relations Department of Niagara University, a private...>MORE
Job Fair
HUMAN SERVICES JOB FAIR For COMMUNITY MISSIONS
Program Locations/Job Opportunities working w/c...>MORE
Nurse Practitioner
NURSE Practitioner, PT including one evening, resume 533 Meadow Dr, Suite 2, N. Tona, NY 14120 or fax 693-4807...>MORE
See all ads |
Chevy 2007 Impala LT
CHEVY 2007 Impala LT 25,800 mi, ext. warranty Exc. Cond, $16,500 297-2199...>MORE
Ford 1999 Ranger
FORD 1999 Ranger, 5 speed, 130K, fair condition, $2000 or best offer, 716-310-0531...>MORE
Dodge 2001 Neon
Dodge 2001 Neon 4 dr, auto, a/c, new tires, c/d no rust, inspected, $3900. white 860-2854...>MORE
Pontiac 1999 Montana
PONTIAC 1999 Montana 57,000 original miles, full options, like new, $3300, 694-0441...>MORE
Chevy 2003 Impala
CHEVY 2003 Impala 25,600 miles, loaded Exc. Cond. $10,000/bo 297-2199...>MORE
Mercury 1999 Grand Marquis
Mercury ‘99 Grand Marquis 4 dr, leather, all options, 49k org mi., showroom cond. $6000. 860-2854, ...>MORE
1991 Dodge Caravan
DODGE 1991 Caravan, exc body, runs great, full power, needs TLC. $1200 or BO. Call 754-4608....>MORE
VW 2001 Beetle
VW 2001 Beetle, loaded, GLX turbo, exc. cond, all service records, fun to drive, blue bk $5600, take best offer, 990-06...>MORE
Ford 1995 Crown Victoria
Ford 1995 Crown Victoria 4 dr, loaded, new tires must see & drive $3500. red. 860-2854...>MORE
Ford Windstar 1998
FORD 1998 Windstar $1000 or best offer. 298-5220...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|