One group of athletes that have the potential to be overlooked are the swim
team's diving crew. Once, long ago in Union's history, the teams could not
compete in diving at Foote Memorial Pool because the ceiling was too low.
Unable to practice, Union coaches did not recruit divers than therefore
forfeited the diving points at meet.
That was then. Over the past 10 years Union
has been blessed with some outstanding divers, and this year is no
exception. Senior Aaron D'Addario (Manlius,
NY/Fayetteville-Manlius), junior Adam Bekiaris
(Central Valley, NY/Monroe-Woodbury), for the men and senior
Brinley Mooney (Wellesley, Hills, MA/Wellesley) and
classmate Emily Barron (Brookfield,
VT/Randolph) for the women
have earned their share of points so far this season and are looking forward to
state meets that will take place later this month (the women's on the weekend of
February 19 to 22 at Nottingham High School, and the men's which will be held a
week later at Webster High School).
Last season Moore and D'Addafio went the entire season without a
coach and were both conference finalist.
“It was a difficult year for them,” said second-year head coach Scott Felix.
“They remained positive and worked hard under difficult conditions, and their
work paid off. This season, with the help of diving coach Dan Kameny, all of our
divers have increased the difficulty of their diving list and are ready to
tackle the State Championships in a couple of weeks. I expect to see them
battling for the state titles in both one meter and three meter boards.
“Emily and Adam have taken a different route to the boards,” Felix continued.
“Adam has stepped up for us after a term abroad and added some quality points.
He has increased his list and now has the 11 dive requirements for a
championship format. Emily has brought back a silent, focused work ethic that we
missed when we were without a diving coach.. Both have added a great deal of
depth to the team on the boards, and I think both of them will score big at the
state meet.”