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Printed From Acorn-Online.com Sports
Forum Sports Editor sports@thewestonforum.com What turned out to be a long wait is finally over for Carolyn DiMarco. A standout diver on the Weston High girls swim team, she was up for All-American consideration back in November. But since not all high school swim teams compete during the same season, the selections could not be made until after the academic year ended. Last week DiMarco got the news she had been hoping for — she was one fewer than 200 high school divers from around the country to be named an All-American. “I was just really thrilled and happy,” said DiMarco, who will be a senior this fall. “I worked very hard this year and it paid off. It was one of my goals.” Such determination was reflected in her performance. An All-South-West Conference selection, she was also named All-State in Class S, winning diving at both meets. She was also runner-up at the State Open, placing second only to Southington’s Kristy Dougan. Even before coming to Weston High DiMarco was already an accomplished diver. She actually got her start about six years ago. A member of Shore End Country Club in Norwalk, she recalled watching the divers on the swim team and decided to give it a try. “I happened to really like it,” she said. “I decided to do it year round.” Besides Weston High, she also competes for Whirlwind diving at the New Canaan YMCA, coached by Joe Somma. Joining the Weston High girls team, DiMarco immediately made an impact her freshman year. That season she was SWC runner-up and third in Class S. She finished first in both meets as a sophomore and was second at the State Open behind Dougan that year as well. Along with former teammate Jessica Membry DiMarco was up for All-American consideration. Last fall she was part of a strong contingent of Weston divers that helped their team win the Class S championship. Besides DiMarco, teammates Christina Brasco and Ashley Dittmar also received All-State recognition. “Our team really came together as a whole,” said DiMarco. “It showed at the end. I just really tried to do my best.” According to the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association, divers can apply for All-American recognition if they either finish in the top six in their state high school championship meet, or if they have a point total in the meet that exceeds 375. Since DiMarco took second place in the State Open and scored a 391 at the Class S meet she was eligible under both requirements. She then sent in an application, official score sheet, and a DVD or video to the NISCA, which has specific rules on how the dives must be taped. For example, videos are not allowed to show the judges’ scores. A panel of judges (diving coaches) from around the country meets in June of each year and reviews all the tapes that have been submitted, and 130 girls from around the country are selected as All-American divers. DiMarco was one of two from Connecticut, with Choate Rosemary Hall’s Carlin Dacey being the other. DiMarco first found out she had been selected via the NISCA Web site. She also received an official certificate. Now that summer is here DiMarco is keeping busy as a diving coach at two country clubs in Greenwich and Stamford. Looking ahead to the fall, she is also optimistic about her senior year on the swim team and notes Weston should have a talented group of new members. “I’m looking forward to a good season,” she said. “There are a lot of good girls coming up. Hopefully, it’ll work out.” © Copyright 2007 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers |
