Leading divers start strong, South Kitsap wins opening dual

By Elisha Meyer Port Orchard Independent • December 6, 2024 1:30 am
Elisha Meyer/Kitsap News Group photos South Kitsap senior Ronan Wilson takes a practice dive before the contest begins.
Elisha Meyer/Kitsap News Group photos South Kitsap senior Ronan Wilson takes a practice dive before the contest begins.

South Kitsap seniors Karter Warner and Ronan Wilson have seen both the drastic decline and slow revival of their high school dive team, the pair at one point occupying the school’s entire roster.

Now with their minds set on securing one final trip to state with a trio of young Wolves adding to the roster depth, the pair are doing what they can to leave the newest aspiring divers of South Kitsap with an award-winning example.

“It kind of reminds me of what I did freshman year, looking up to the seniors, and (we’re) trying to let them know how it is,” Warner said. “It’s hard sometimes, but they’re coachable and I think they’ll be really good.”

Making sense of why diving took an even bigger hit than swimming during the COVID-19 pandemic and years of community pool repairs can come down to a couple of elements. On top of otherworldly technical expectations, what you score is dependent both on your own effort and the judgment of the scoring panel.

As for what happens if a dive is just a little bit off, it can hurt. A lot.

“You will flop,” Wilson said. “It’s inevitable, but getting back onto the board is what makes you a diver.”

The two divers hope their steadfast motivation to get back on the board will lead them to even greater successes in the 2024-25 winter season. Warner – last season’s fourth-place finisher at state and eyeing the top of the podium in 2025 – got off to a hot start with a win in SK’s first swim dual of the season, a Dec. 5 victory over Rogers. Wilson, seeking a spot in the top 8, was right behind him in second.

SK swimmers claimed victory in all but two races in the afternoon dual, highlighted by a speedy day for Oscar Osmont in both the 50 free (23.98) and 100 free (53.74). Osmont also contributed to two first-place relays. Chris Plunkett, Nolan Butler and Alec Delacruz saw to victory with Osmont in the 200 medley relay (1:53.35), and Tate Herbold was swapped in for Butler in the winning 200 free relay (1:39.98). Max Hanson, Ben Nipert, Adam Johnson and Butler won the 400-yard free (4:41.25).

Other SK victories included Plunkett in the 100 backstroke (59.92) and 200 free (1:58.25), Miles Hanson in the 100 breaststroke (1:13.35) and Nipert in the 500 free (6:26.63).