(Story courtesy of Colorado College)
SHENANDOAH, Texas - In his first appearance at the NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships, Austin Howlett finished in 21st place in the 1-meter diving on Thursday afternoon at the Conroe Natatorium in Shenandoah, Texas. Official Men's Site | Complete Results
Competing in front of a sold-out crowd, Howlett's 11-dive score of 410.15 was only 13.10 out of 16th place and spot in Thursday night's finals.
"His voluntary dives (the last five) were the best I've seen this year," Colorado College diving coach Ellen Walker said. "Twenty-first place is a very good result for a sophomore making his first appearance at the national championships."
The native of Makawao, Hawaii, will be back in action on Saturday when he competes on the 3-meter board. He won that event at the regional diving championship to earn a spot in this weekend's meet.
Howlett's first dive will be a front one and a half with three twists, the only competitor to attempt that dive.
"Austin is really looking forward to Saturday," Walker said. "That is his best event and I expect him to finish higher in the standings. His goal is to get Colorado College some team points.
Howlett, who owns the program's 11-dive records on both boards, is the first Tiger to advance to nationals since Beth Olsen in 1989.
