Jan. 31, 2007

Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina men’s and women’s diving teams will be competing at the SEC Championships, being held at the University of Kentucky’s Lancaster Aquatic Center Feb. 2-4.

Sophomores David Ovelson and Corry Christian will represent South Carolina’s men’s team. Earlier in the season, Ovelson won the three-meter event against a number of top SEC competitors, such as Georgia, Kentucky and Florida. Ovelson also earned three wins on the one-meter board this season. His top score on the three-meter board is 384.75; whereas, his top score on the one-meter board is 338.03. Ovelson is currently No. 4 in the SEC, on both boards.

“On the men’s side, David Ovelson has dived very well, and I think that he has a legitimate shot at winning it as a sophomore, which is huge,” head diving coach Todd Sherritt said. “But definitely one of my goals is to get both of my guys into the top eight.”

On the women’s side, senior Lyndsey Havens and freshman Sarah Mory will represent South Carolina. Havens has won the three-meter event at four meets this season, including victories over SEC competitors Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida and Alabama. Havens also won four one-meter events this season, and is currently ranked No. 1 in the SEC on that board, with a top score of 330.38. On the three-meter board Havens is ranked No. 6 in the SEC with a top score of 335.77.

“On the girls’ side, Lyndsey Havens is another one who has a good shot at winning it,” Sherritt said. “Sarah Mory, she’s my freshman, and she’s done a good job too. If she dives well she might crack the top twelve on both boards, which is one of my goals for her.”

Following the SEC Championships, the 2006-2007 diving season will conclude with the NCAA Diving Championships, which will be held in Athens, Ga. March 2-4.