Jan. 6, 2011

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Navy's Olaf Olson (Sr., Bainbridge Island, Wash.) and Hayden Jones (Fr., Spring, Texas) put together strong showings during the Tennessee Diving Invitational held this week at the Allan Jones Aquatic Center in Knoxville, Tenn. Olson placed 10th in the three-meter springboard competition and Jones finished in 11th place in the one-meter event.

"I think Olaf was spectacular on the three meter, especially during the prelims," said Navy diving coach Joe Suriano.

Olson posted a score of 342.40 points to place fifth during the preliminary rounds of diving on the three meter. He finished less than five points out of third place to comfortably be one of the 12 divers who advanced to the finals on the board. Olson would go to score 330.10 points during the six-dive finals to finish in 10th place.

Jones tallied 286.75 points to place 12th on the one meter during the trials session, then improved his position by one spot in the finals with a score of 259.70.

The three-day event featured some of the top divers on the East Coast, including competitors from Virginia Tech, Kentucky, Auburn, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

"Virginia Tech has some very good divers on their roster," said Suriano. "They will be the ones to watch at the zone meet."

Navy will play host to the NCAA Zone `A' Diving Championship, which will determine the NCAA Championship qualifiers for the Mid-Atlantic Region, March 11-13 in Lejeune Hall.

One-Meter Springboard Results
Prelims (6 dives)
12. Hayden Jones, 286.75
25. Wil Mayo, 249.60
29. Olaf Olson, 238.10
36. Ben Freedman, 217.95
Finals (6 dives)
11. Hayden Jones, 259.70

Three-Meter Springboard Results
Prelims (6 dives)
5. Olaf Olson, 342.40
28. Hayden Jones, 256.20
38. Ben Freedman, 218.15
40. Wil Mayo, 211.35
Finals (6 dives)
10. Olaf Olson, 330.10

Platform Results (6 dives)
25. Wil Mayo, 227.35
26. Olaf Olson, 222.15
30. Ben Freedman, 194.05