April 26, 2009
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Auburn junior Dan Mazzaferro placed second in Sunday's platform diving finals at the 2009 Speedo USA Diving Spring Nationals held April 22-26 at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatics Complex.
The three-time SEC Champion totaled 409.20 through six dives with a 19.9 degree of difficulty and a 68.2 round average. Mazzaferro topped all divers in the third round, nailing a back 3 1/2 somersault tuck for 82.50. The Cheshire, Conn., native also hit the highest scoring dive of the fifth round, picking up 78.40 from an inward 3 1/2 somersault tuck.
"Dan Mazzaferro went out today and did exactly what he needed to do to earn a trip to the World University Games," said Auburn head diving coach Jeff Shaffer. "He and Kelly Marx had a great week of staying focused and diving one dive at a time."
Mazzaferro advanced to finals after placing second in Friday's prelims, scoring 360.50 points with a 60.08 round average.
Teammate Kelly Marx placed fourth in Saturday's 3-meter springboard finals while the duo placed second in 3-meter synchronized springboard diving.
Competitors at the 2009 Speedo USA Spring Diving Nationals aimed for a spot on the U.S. National Team for the World University Games held June 30-July 12 in Belgrade, Serbia. Selections will be announced by USA Diving on a later date.
Complete results can be found at can be found at www.divemeets.com.