Olympic Diving Trials 10m Synchro Finals Thursday

Trials. It all comes down to a few dives.

The Men’s and Women’s 10m Synchronized Platform dives head into Finals Thursday night at the 2012 US Diving Olympic Trials in Federal Way, WA, with the top pair from each division earning a place on the US Olympic Diving team.

2008 Olympic swimmer David Boudia and his partner, Nick McCrory, head into the finals with a solid first place position, based on scores from Sunday’s semi-finals. The diving duo made up of teens Toby Stanley and Steele Johnson were in second place, followed by the Steele Johnson/Dash Enos duo.

Johnson, who we’ve been following, had a rough day Tuesday in the 10m Platform prelims but finished the event with a solid 407C dive.

“I’m just going to go have fun,” he said.

And he will.

David Boudia
2008 Olympian David Boudia prepares prior to a dive
at the 2012 US Diving Olympic Trials.
Johnson
Steele smiling.
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US Diving Olympic Trials Results: Day 1

Since we’ve been following the journey of Steele Johnson, and his diving partners, Dash Enos and Toby Stanley, we’ll report those results first. After Men’s 10m Synchro Prelims and Semi Finals, Steele Johnson and Toby Stanley are in 2nd place; and Steele and Dash are in 3rd. These world-class divers did very well, and are just behind Olympian David Boudia and Nick McCrory (who is trying to make his first Olympics). A full detailed report is in the works and will be posted on Monday.

USA Divers
From left to right: World-class divers Toby Stanley, Steele Johnson, and Dash Enos
at the first day of the 2012 US Diving Olympic Trials at Federal Way, WA.


Steele Johnson
Steele Johnson, left, and Dash Enos practice a 10m platform dive.


10m Platform
Steele Johnson, left, and Dash Enos practice a 10m platform dive.
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Nerves of Steele, Part II: “Ready To Go!”

 

This is Part 2 in a series on Olympic diving hopeful Steele Johnson as he competes at the 2012 US Diving Olympic Trials in Federal Way, WA.

By Ernie Geigenmiller

Steele Johnson. It’s not everyday a 16-year-old gets to compete in front of a national audience, but that’s what happens today at the King County Aquatic Center, host of the 2012 US Diving Olympic Trials.

Steele1
Steele Johnson at a recent competition. Photo courtesy of Michael Thomas.
Used with his permission.

But Steele Johnson, the 16-year-old diver from Carmel, Indiana, isn’t your everyday teenager. You see, he’s used to performing before national and international audiences. The 10-time national champion continues to impress audiences and peers with his amazing, spot-on performances, which are buoyed by his sheer drive and determination. These are traits that will carry the young man through perhaps his most challenging week of competition.

At stake is a spot on the 2012 US Olympic Diving Team. Some 120 US divers from all around the country have been practicing these last few days at King County Aquatic Center in preparation to earn one of those coveted spots.

Those of you reading this that are in your 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s or beyond, can you imagine at 16 what is going on through this young man’s head? I can’t. Most people would run away from the sheer thought.

During my two previous interviews with Steele, he emphasized focus. “If I just focus on what needs to be done; if I do every dive the best I can I will earn a spot on that team,” he said. “I just have to get the job done. “

Focus. Determination. Confidence.

First up are the 10m platform synchro dives with partners Tobias Stanley and Dashiell Enos, who in their own right are amazing divers. The duos are performing two voluntary dives, and four optional dives. They will perform the 103B, 301B, 207C, 107B, 5253B and 407C dives.

What does that mean?

Well, it’s best to understand the components first.

According to USA Diving: Dives are described by their full name (e.g. reverse 3 1/2 somersault with 1/2 twist) or by their numerical identification (e.g. 5371D), or “dive number.” Twisting dives utilize four numerical digits, while all other dives use three. Specific dive numbers are not random — they are created by using these guidelines:

  1. All dives are identified by three or four digits and one letter.
  2. The first digit indicates the dive’s group: 1 = forward, 2 = back, 3 = reverse, 4 = inward, 5 = twisting, 6 = armstand
  3. In front, back, reverse and inward dives, a 1 as the second digit indicates a flying action. A ‘0’ indicates none. In twisting and armstand dives, the second digit indicates the dive’s group (forward, back, reverse).
  4. The third digit indicates the number of half somersaults.
  5. The fourth digit, if applicable, indicates the number of half twists.
  6. The letter indicates body position: A = straight, B = pike, C = tuck, D = free.

Pretty technical stuff.

For his individual 10m platform dives, Steele will perform six other dives, as well. These include: 5253B, 207C, 107B, 6245D (this is the handstand, with a 3.6 degree of difficulty), 307C (with a 3.3 degree of difficulty) and the 407C.

To translate this, for example, the 107B is a forward dive with 3 ½ somersaults in a pike position.

Piece of cake, right?

He only makes it look easy. This is what he trains for six days a week. This is his job. And he’s darn good at it.

Focus. Determination. Confidence.

Steele Johnson, bottom, and Tobias Stanley, at a recent competition.

Steele’s Friends Speak Out

His best friend, Jake Smith, says Steele looks at diving as his job – a job for which he has an intense passion.

“He’s a very determined person,” said Smith. “Diving is his total passion, and he’s completely committed to it.”

Several others from Carmel have said the same thing.

Corina Redmon, one of Steele’s church youth leaders said: “He has a confidence in himself, but is not arrogant. Steele and his coach feel they’re going to accomplish this.”

Smith says Steele looks at this as his job, and plans to get the job done. “I really feel he’ll do this,” he added.

As for Steele himself, he told me on the eve of opening day: “I’m feeling ready to go.”

The competition opens at 3 pm PDT with the women’s synchro performances, which will be followed by the men’s synchros.

Showtime.

If Steele has any doubts he’s not showing it. He has an entire church and community sending prayers his way. And, it goes way beyond that — but that’s for another article.

“We all pray Steele will be focused,” said Redmon. “He has our full support.”

Steele4
Steele Johnson did well at the Pan American Games in Colombia.

After the intensity of the moment fades, and after competitors dry off and put on their street clothes, Steele will return to the normalcy of being a normal teen.

Well, kinda.

My guess is he’ll turn on his handy camera to videotape the last part of the day’s events – and sign off with a polite “goodnight.”

Since May, the Olympic hopeful records some of the most mundane aspects of his life – and manages to make it funny. His uncle, Jack Lugar, just shakes his head. “Yes, that’s our Steele. He’s a great kid! He has a lot of talent.”

He has dedicated himself to taping every day of his life for 365 days. My third son, Jordan, told me: “Steele says nothing better than anybody I know. He’s hilarious!”

A budding second career? Perhaps. But for now, we’re just focusing on the Olympic Trials.

He’s ready. Are you?

The next article, Part 3, will focus on Steele Johnson, the son, the friend, and the person. Diving is a major part of his life, but there’s a whole other side. It’s actually quite remarkable, too.

 

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CRST Swimmer Julia Sanders Eyes 26.3 Time for Olympic Trials 50m Freestyle Cut

Sixteen-year-old Julia Sanders has already had a stellar swimming career, setting records, winning competitions and is considered a rising star in USA Swimming. Her latest battle is pushing herself to make the Olympic Trials swimming time standard for the 50m free — and that number is 26.3 seconds.

“It’s not an easy thing to accomplish,” said CRST Head Coach Darlene Hill. “But she’s been working at it.”

Her personal record for the 50m free is 26.69, or three-tenths of a second from making the cut to compete at the Olympic Swimming Trials, which begin on June 25 in Omaha, Nebraska.

In order to qualify for USA Swimming’s national meets, swimmers must first post a qualifying time during the qualifying period. These time standards, or “cuts” are set before the swim season begins.

So Sanders, who is a delightful and determined individual, is getting her final opportunity to make that cut on Saturday at Mt. Hood Community College. Meeting the 26.39 time opens the door to compete at the Olympic Trials.

Julia Sanders
Julia Sanders swims for the
Columbia River Swim Team in
Vancouver.
 
 
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Nerves of Steele, Part I: Johnson’s Journey

By Ernie Geigenmiller

This is Part 1 in a series on Olympic diving hopeful Steele Johnson as he arrives at Federal Way, WA, home to the 2012 US Diving Olympic Team Trials.

At age 2, Steele Johnson decided he loved doing front flips. Two years later, he stunned his parents again by performing back flips. As time marched on, it was clear he loved to leap off high places and had an affinity for the water.

“Mom thought I was getting dangerous,” Johnson said. “So she enrolled me in a diving class when I was 8. She wanted to make sure I didn’t hurt myself.”

Once he started diving, it became his passion, and eventually the soccer cleats and lacrosse gear were put away. Diving became his focus.

A diver was born.

 

Steele at 14
10-time national champion, Steele Johnson, competes
in Germany earlier this year. He turns 16 this Saturday.
 

He recalls those first few weeks of diving practice near his Carmel, Indiana home. “For the first two weeks of diving, we were just jumping off boards,” he said. “It was fun.”

He took a real liking to the sport and within three years, the young diver began traveling with elite athletes who were much older. His first traveling event was at Harvard in 2007 when he was just 11 years old.

“There I was, not even five feet tall,” he recalled. “And I was standing on the 10 meter platform with college kids. It was so intimidating to be so small and stand on that platform. And it was awkward, too. None of my teammates would talk to me, and I was lonely. So, I just focused on getting the job done.”

He got the job done, and swept both events.

He then went onto London and won two gold medals and a silver.

“I absolutely love to dive,” Johnson said. “It’s a great sport, and I’ve been blessed with great coaches, and supportive family and friends.”

Johnson is coached by John Wingfield, who is the Head Coach for the USA Diving Team. He has trained with Olympians David Boudia and Thomas Finchum and feels blessed to be associated with such great people.

 

Steele and Toby
Steele Johnson, bottom, does the 10m synchro
with diving partner Tobias Stanley. This is
one of the events he will compete in this upcoming
week at the Olympic Trials in Federal Way, WA.
 

His diving team practices six days a week from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm (Saturday is a half day) and then he does schoolwork through the Laurel Springs Academy, which is a home school program that helps elite athletes. The team does “dryland” practice for two hours a day (trampoline, dryboard, mats, conditioning, weight training) and then hits the pool to dive.

Johnson started turning heads in 2008 when he swept all events at a Junior National competition. A year later, he competed in the Junior Pan American Games and placed fourth in the 3-meter synchro, second in the 1-meter and got gold in the 3-meter and platform dives. In 2011, he won four golds and one silver at Junior Nationals.

He’s also trained and spent time with Olympic diver and gold medalist, Greg Louganis. And one NBC sports commentator hailed him as “part of the future of diving.”

“That’s a big honor,” Johnson said of the comment. “But I just think of it as what I do every day. This is a God-given gift I’ve been blessed with. And it’s a lot of hard work, early mornings and lots of late nights, but it’s all worth it … I get my drive from the love I have for the sport.”

Sports Illustrated posted a brief on Johnson in their Faces in the Crowd section last September: “ Steele, a sophomore at Laurel Springs, won gold medals in four of five events at junior nationals in Knoxville, Tenn., to become a 10-time national champion and earn a spot on the U.S. team at this week’s Junior Pan-Americans. He won individual gold in the three-meter and platform events and paired with Dashiell Enos to win the synchronized three-meter and platform. A week later he was the youngest diver at nationals to advance to the men’s individual platform finals, finishing sixth.”

US Diving Buddies
Steele Johnson with fellow members of the US Diving Team.  Steele
is standing between diving partners Tobias Stanley (left) and Dashiell Enos.

He qualified for the Olympic Trials in 2010 by scoring in the top 12 at Junior World’s competition for the 10m platform. In 2011, his accomplishments at Summer Junior National’s qualified him for every diving event that is happening next week.

And that brings him to the Olympic Trials, which begin June 17. It’s a tough competition. Approximately 120 divers are competing for 14 spots on the US Olympic Diving Team.

Several sports writers are touting him as a favorite for the 2016 Olympic Games, and believe the Federal Way trials will be a good experience for the soon-to-be 16-year-old. Johnson will compete in the Men’s 10m Platform Individual and the Men’s 10m Syncro (with Tobias Stanley and Dashiell Enos). He thinks they all make a great team.

 


With Coach
Steele Johnson won a gold medal at the Pan American Games
in Columbia in 2011.
 

“It’s going to be a tough competition,” said Johnson. “If I go and do every dive the best I can, I will get a spot on the Olympic team. I will have a smile on my face, I will be focused and I will do the best I can.”

When he spoke those words, his demeanor turned into what I would call a gracious confidence, or a calm determination. It was like my experience a few days ago with one of my baseball players. I asked him to do his best, and get a base hit. His reply: “Coach, I’m going to hit a triple.” And he did. But as he spoke those words to me his eyes and whole demeanor exuded a pure and calm confidence.

Steele exuded that same confidence – no cockiness, overconfidence or any element of fear. I can only guess, but he must have been thinking: “I’m good at this, I will do it – it’s what I’ve been preparing to do. I’m ready.”

I used the term “gracious confidence” to describe his remarks because there was an element of humility and gratitude in his voice. He sounded grateful to have these gifts, and confident he could get the job done.

This teenager has a steely resolve.

The next article will focus on the specifics of his dives, the aura of the Olympics and Johnson’s budding second career in front of, and behind the camera.

 

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“Meet and Greet” With Portland Timbers Players Brent Richards on Tuesday

Former Camas High School Player – and current Portland Timbers Player – Brent Richards is appearing on June 12 from 4:30-5:30 pm at the Papa Murphy’s at 3415 SE 192nd Avenue (across from QFC). Bring your young player out to meet a real Timbers Player and product of local soccer here in Camas and Washougal!

Portland Timbers
Brent Richards
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CHS Announces List of 2012 Hall of Fame Inductees

Every two years, Camas High School inducts several former athletes into the school’s Hall of Fame. Today, the Hall of Fame Committee announced this year’s inductees. The induction will take place on September 29 at Camas High School.

SCHOLAR ATHLETE: Mike Sharp

 

Outstanding scholar/athlete during 1955-57; All around athlete in basketball, football, baseball and track; Two year varsity starter in basketball scoring 20 + points per game his senior year; Selected as an All SW Washington player; All league in basketball and baseball; Played basketball at the University of Washington.

 

INDIVIDUALS

 

Kenny Dunn – 1945-48 – Three year letter in football, basketball and baseball; Selected all state football (first ever Camas athlete to receive this); Played on first football team to make the State tournament in Seattle; Starting fullback at the University of Washington.

 

Jim Newquist – 1937-1940 – Football – Jimmy was a three-year letterman in football for Camas between 1937-39. He was a do-it-all player who ran, passed, and kicked (both punts and extra points) the ball, blocked, and tackled. He played halfback on offense and linebacker on defense. He was the starting halfback on the undefeated 1937 team as a sophomore. As a junior, Jimmy scored 132 points in seven games ranking him second in the State and fifth nationally. He was named by the Portland Oregonian to an Oregon/SW Washington all-star team. He was the teams MVP his junior and senior year. Bothered by injuries his senior year, he missed several games but was called by The Vancouver Columbian the most dangerous halfback in the State and nicknamed “The Camas Flash”.

 

After graduating in 1940, Jimmy was recruited by both Washington and Oregon. He played running back for Oregon in 1941where he continued to both run, pass and kick the ball and was named to the All-Coast Team. World War II interrupted his football career where he served in the Navy Air Corps. After the war, he returned to Oregon and played football in 1946 and 47.

 

Karrie Rider – 1993-1996 – All around standout female athlete in volleyball, basketball and softball receiving numerous all league honors and awards; Attended Mississippi State played shortstop for 4 years; Played 2 years of semi pro softball for the Stratford Brakettes and 4 years professionally for Ohio Pride and Texas Thunder and also coached as an assistant at Harvard and Univ of Missouri. Past 7 years as a private instructor in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado.

 

Pete Meyers – 1970-1973 – Wrestling and Football – 1973 won the State championship in wrestling in the 148 lb. class, first State champion in CHS history in any sport.

 

Gerald (Jerry) Gabrio – 1974-1977 – Track and Football – State champion in 1977 in javelin; 3 year letterman in track and field; 3 year letterman in football; Starting quarterback for two years; Selected as starting quarterback representing Clark County vs. Cowlitz County his senior year; Attended University of Washington for track & field where he was a 2 varsity letter athlete.

 

Jonathan Carlson – 1999-2002 – Football & Soccer – Member of the varsity soccer team as a freshman that won the 1st league championship; Holds all time career assist record at CHS with 58; 2000 CHS Varsity Soccer player of the year; 2001 named to The Columbian’s All-Star team; Played on the 2002 soccer team that was 3rd in State; GSHL 3A MVP, Varsity Player of the Year and WIAA Academic Champion. MVP in Football Junior and Senior Year as a leading punter and kick returner; Football 1st team GSHL Junior and Senior year; GSHL Football Player of the Year 2001; All Clark County Football; Attended Whitworth and played soccer.

 

Lloyd Stoller – 1983-1986 – Lettered in Football, basketball and track – Played wide receiver and defensive back and kicker; Football captain; Football all league kicker; Basketball captain; 2nd in State in track senior year in high jump; first Camas athlete to make it to State in four track events; Holds the CHS high jump record at 6’ 9 ¾”; Track captain; Camas Post Record Athlete of the Year in 1986; Member of the State of Washington High School track team that competed in China in 1986; Attended WSU lettered in track 4 years.

 

TEAMS

 

1948 Basketball Team – Coached by Clay Fox and led by team Captain Loren Rainey the team was the first Camas team to reach the Washington State Basketball Tournament since its inception in 1923. The Tournament in 1948 (the sweet 16) included the largest schools and most outstanding basketball teams in the State. . Upsetting both Longview (placed 5th in the 1947 tournament and Vancouver (placed 2nd in the 1947 tournament) to claim the Southwest Washington District Championship with a record of 15 wins and 4 losses. Four members of the team were named Southwest Washington League All Stars. Loren Rainey to the first team, Dick Schimel to the second team and both Bob O’Hara and Kenny Meyer honorable mention.


2002 Softball Team – First full team in CHS history to win a State title; 23-3 record; at State tournament defeated two unbeaten teams, Sedro Woolly and W.F. West; The ten seniors on the team contributed to an overall 87-19 varsity record during their 4 years at HCS. 7 of the team members played either volleyball or softball in college; Coached by Ted Buck, Don Chaney, Russ Barber and Michelle Beardsher. Players were Dianna Anderson, Ashley Barber, Jessie Buck, Becky Cervantes, Mandy Cervantes, Brenna Daughterty, Jessica Ellibee, Lisa Langmade, Ashleigh Marquardt, Stacie Mattson, Kristi Peppel, Sheena Salsberry, Kim Scurrah, Katie Simpson, Jessica Williams, Rachel Williams. Managers – Nikko Listek and Joe Stevenson.

COACH – Walter Erickson – Started coaching football in 1933 and continued for 6 years; Record of 40 wins and 16 losses and 2 ties; He was a coach that believed “It’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game”. He was chosen to the 1932 Associated Press Little All- American team after his senior season. Erickson also lettered four years in baseball at Willamette, played two years of basketball and ran track as a senior while on the baseball team. He returned to Willamette in 1945 to become the school’s registrar, and was head coach of the football team in 1946. He was on the board of trustees at Willamette from 1955-61 and received an Alumni Citation from the University in 1979.

 

HALL OF HONOR – Dale Croswell – 31 years of volunteer service as “The Voice of the Camas Papermaker Football Team”; Famous for his phrase “Hold Everything, There’s a Flag on the play”; Honored in 2011 by having the press box at Doc Harris Stadium named the “Cros Nest”.
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Austin Barr Drafted by New York Mets; Rejects Offer and Plans to Play for Stanford University This Fall; Has Sights on Future MLB in 2015

By Ernie Geigenmiller

A funny thing happened Wednesday during third period at Camas High School.

Senior Austin Barr received a phone call from New York Mets talent scout, Jim Reeves, offering him a spot with the major league franchise. Barr was picked in the 29th round, 12 pick, and 890 overall. It was an honor, but not what Barr was looking for.

Although most kids would love a shot at making $100,000 right of school, this Stanford University-bound catcher is looking at the big picture. He’s being patient, and continues to work extremely hard.

Over the last several months, MLB talent scouts have been keep close tabs on Barr, getting to know him, his family, his temperament, and of course, his baseball skills. The Mets, Orioles and Marlins have all had their eyes on Barr, but it was with the Mets where serious talks ensued.

In the beginning, nearly a year ago, Barr told the scouts what he would sign for. Top picks receive $7.2 million, and the offers go to $1.8 million for the first rounds. After the tenth round, players are offered a maximum of $100,000.

Austin Barr
Austin Barr catches with the Corvallis Knights this summer.
This photo is from his first game with the team, in Walla Walla, WA.
 Throughout the experience, Barr put his stock in Stanford.

“They knew I wouldn’t sign for $100,000,” Barr said. “This was done as a sign of respect to me. They wanted me to be able to say I was drafted by the Mets, and I really appreciate the offer. It’s been a great experience.”

The MLB pro’s started watching him last August as Barr became part of a Royal’s-sponsored tournament team that represented the Pacific Northwest in Long Beach, California.

“We played with the best guys around and they watched us intently,” said Barr. “And I caught really well. Then all winter, I talked to the scouts to do personality tests. I went to countless workouts, and I learned it’s all about developing a relationship with the scouts. And I learned it’s a lot of fun and it’s been like planning two futures – one at Stanford, and one with Major League baseball.”

The experience will serve him well, as Barr plans to succeed at Stanford by continuing to improve his game and study business management, finance or engineering.

He reports to Stanford on September 18 and will meet his dorm roommate upon arrival.

“I really look forward to attending Stanford,” he said. “It’s been a lifelong dream. And the cool thing is in three years I’ll do it all over again. The whole process will start over again when I re-enter the draft. And next time, I want to go first round.”

Barr’s immediate future is to graduate from Camas High on June 15 and then travel with the Corvallis Knights. He’s already off to a good start – hitting a grand slam in Walla Walla last week.

His next game with them is on June 18 in Longview.

“He’s doing very well,” said his father, Gregg Barr. “He’s like a little kid playing baseball. He’s having so much fun. Recently, an opposing pitcher gave Austin credit for the way he’s calling the game. This whole experience has been a lot of fun.”

The younger Barr is grateful for the coaches, teachers and mentors throughout the years.

“I’ve learned a ton these last few months,” Barr said. “I appreciate the relationships I was able to build. I’ve learned how the MLB works, and that not all the guys are making millions. There’s a long road to the Major leagues, and this has given me a new respect. You have to prove yourself and be consistently good for several years.”

Barr also gives high value to his education and hopes to come out in a better position three years from now.

“Baseball doesn’t have to control your life but your success is a product of hard work and a person’s work ethic,” he concluded.

Look out for Barr. He’s just getting warmed up.

 

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BREAKING NEWS: Camas Senior Drafted by Mets

Camas High School Senior, catcher Austin Barr, who is Stanford-bound, was just drafted by the New York Mets today. Barr has made known his intentions to go to Stanford, but that hasn’t stopped the Major Leagues from making an effort. He’s that good!

Details to come ….
Austin Barr
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