Reuben Ross Takes 1m Title at Zone `B' Championships
March 13, 2009
Knoxville, Tenn. – University of Miami junior diver Reuben Ross took the top spot in the Men’s 1-meter finals in opening day action of the NCAA Zone `B’ Diving Championships Friday afternoon in Knoxville, Tenn. The event is being hosted by the University of Tennessee at the Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatics Center.
Ross, this year’s ACC Championship Most Valuable Diver, collected a final round score of 755.30 to take the win on the 1-meter springboard, finishing ahead of Aaron Fleshner of Alabama (725.65) and Terry Horner of Florida State (722.65).
Ross, a native of Regina, Saskatchewan (Canada) and defending National Champion and All-America performer, completed the preliminary round of diving today with a leading score of 380.05 to lead ACC member Horner (349.50).
He is expected to compete on the 3-meter springboard and 10-meter platform later in the weekend.
“It was a nice relief to make it today, but this meet is really just a prep for the NCAA Championships,” expressed Ross afterwards. “It’s about making sure that I am at the top of my game when it really matters.”
Also competing for the Hurricanes on Friday was senior Jenna Dreyer who finished in third place of the Women’s 3-meter Championship with a score of 650.80. Abby Johnston of Duke took top honors with a final round of 659.85, followed by Carrie Dragland of Alabama (655.40).
Miami junior Brittany Viola, this year’s ACC Most Valuable Diver at the Swimming & Diving Championships, was unable to perform today. Viola is resting up for her chance at defending the National Championship later in the season in her best event–the 10-meter platform.
The NCAA Zone ‘B’ Championships continue Saturday and Sunday with live scoring available throughout the meet by logging on to www.hurricanesports.com.
