Pruitt, Donald cap AU Diving Invitational on platform

Men's Platform Results (PDF)
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Cat Wofford/Auburn Athletics

AUBURN, Ala. – The Auburn men closed out the Auburn Diving Invitational with the platform competition Thursday where sophomore Conner Pruitt finished second with 368.40 points and freshman Skip Donald took seventh place with 286.20 points. 

"I was pleased with some of the things that we did," Auburn head diving coach Jeff Shaffer said. "Conner's got to be a little sharper on finishing some dives, but he had a strong take off on his back two-and-a-half. He just has to make a commitment with his legs on his kickout."

It was a stellar three days for Pruitt, who also won the 3-meter event Wednesday and finished second in the 1-meter event on Tuesday. 

For Donald, Thursday's competition markedhis collegiate debut on platform. The freshman earned an NCAA zone qualifying score the day before in the prelims of the 3-meter event where his 336.70 points was a personal best.   

Donald was one of four Auburn divers to earn a personal-best score this week, joining Alison Maillard (3-meter), Gretchen Wensuc (3-meter) and Ashlynn Sullivan (platform) from the women's team. Maillard won the 1-meter event, giving the Tigers two first-place finishes in six total events. 

"This (meet) pointed out where we are and what we need to focus on," Shaffer said. "But coming into the meet, one of our goals was for everybody to get two lists in the events that have prelims and finals and get some personal bests, which we did."

After two weeks off, the Auburn divers will return to the boards Jan. 3 when they travel to Knoxville for the Tennessee Diving Invitational, a three-day competition. 

The men's and swimming teams will host Virginia for a dual meet on Jan. 4.