PLAINFIELD, Ind. – Centerville diver Jolie Rusznak joined teammate Aubrey Davis on Tuesday as qualifiers for the girls state championships this weekend.
Rusznak earned her state ticket as she finished eighth at the Plainfield Diving Regional.
“The team is real proud having these two seniors and captains participating in the state meet,” Centerville Head Coach Darren Ridenour said. “They have put hundreds of hours in the pool developing their skills.”
The state finals are Friday and Saturday at the Indiana University Natatorium in Indianapolis. Friday’s prelims start at 6 p.m. The diving competition along with more swimming events begin on Saturday at 9 a.m.
“They have both faced difficulties this season and have overcome them,” Ridenour said. “Aubrey has been struggling with back issues and tendonitis, which limits her practice times. Jolie has worked hard to develop new and challenging dives that give her a better chance to compete at the highest level of diving.”
Rusznak scored 319.85 points as she improved on her ninth-place finish from a year ago.
She will be the fourth diver and eighth girl in school history to compete in the state meet. It is also the first time that Centerville teammates will be in the same event.
Davis will be in the prelims for the 100-yard backstroke on Thursday night as she participates in the state meet for the second straight year.
“They have both wondered at times during the season whether they would be able to perform at their best,” Ridenour said. “It is a testament to their dedication and determination that they accomplished these remarkable achievements.”
“I hope they have been an example to the rest of our team that no matter what obstacle confronts us we can still reach our goals,” he added. “I, personally, am happy they will get experience this special opportunity to perform against the best swimmers and divers in the state of Indiana.”
Both Rusznak and Davis won the sectional title their respective events last Saturday at the New Palestine Sectional.
Centerville Girls State Swim Meet Participants
Leanne Winnefeld – 1984 in 100-yard backstroke
Leanne Winnefeld – 1986 in 100-yard backstroke
Erin Ward – 1990 in diving
Abby Kettler – 2005 in 50-yard freestyle
Danielle Brabaw – 2006 in 100-yard freestyle
Jessica Squires – 2007 in diving
Jessica Squires – 2008 in diving, fourth place
Brooke Madden – 2014 in diving, seventh place
Brooke Madden – 2015 in diving, fourth place
Brooke Madden – 2015 in 50-yard freestyle
Brooke Madden – 2016 in diving, fourth place
Aubrey Davis – 2017 in 100-yard backstroke
Aubrey Davis – 2018 in 100-yard backstroke
Jolie Rusznak – 2018 in diving