Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH MANCHESTER - You couldn't see him -Êthe conversation took place on the phone - but you could tell Dave Owens was all smiles Thursday just before noon.
And he hasdreason to be.
Owens, the boys swimming coach at Manchester High School, is sending two individuals to today's state swimming finals at the IUPUI Natatorium.
"Before last year we hadn't had a boy there in like six years," said Owens. "So even if we sent one, we'd be happy."
Reed Christiansen will compete in the diving finals after winning the Oak Hill Regional championship Tuesday with his score of 405.95. Christiansen also won the Wawasee Sectional with 434.65 points.
"We knew he had potential," said Owens. "He put together one of his best performances in the regionals. He was on and stayed focused. I felt like he established himself and didn't look back. He stayed consistent."
His regional score was 25.65 points ahead of second place.
Christiansen, a junior, competed at state last year as a sophomore.
"I think he finished 25th or so," said Owens. "He was kind of nervous at state last year and had to go first. But he has a year of experience now, so I think it'll be different and I think he has a chance to finish in the top eight to 16."
Teammate Rod Smith will also compete in the state finals Saturday in the 200 individual medley and the 100 backstroke. Smith also went to the state finals last year. He has lost two dual meets this season, both of whom he defeated at the regionals.
Three other area divers will also compete at IUPUI's Natatorium, Warsaw's Kevin Cowan and Sam Hood, and Wawasee's Dustin Lytle.
Wawasee's Adam Brown will swim in the 100 breaststroke after his time of 1:01.57 won him first place at the Wawasee sectional.
Other than Cowan and Hood, Warsaw will send Brandon Moore, Adam Helfrich, Justin Lowrance and John Sincroft in the 200 medley relay. Lowrance also will compete in the 50 freestyle.
Swimming preliminaries will start at 6 p.m. today with the finals beginning Saturday at 1 p.m. Diving preliminaries are scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Saturday; the finals will begin at 1 p.m.
