Pasco sophomore prevails

By DEREK LaRIVIERE
Published October 17, 2006

CRYSTAL RIVER - One Pirate diver unseated another for the Class A, District 3 crown Monday at Bicentennial Pool.

Pasco sophomore Matthew Cicanese defeated Crystal River senior Jeff Arnold, the defending champion, by half a point for his first district crown. Arnold had 296.60 points to Cicanese's 297.10.

"This is my first season," Cicanese said. "Ever since I started, I knew if I kept improving I would have a chance at (a district title)."

Only four male divers participated, with three coming from Crystal River. Freshman Sean Drees and sophomore Steven McMichen came in third and fourth, respectively.

Umatilla senior Stephanie Sheckler won her second consecutive district title by defeating Crystal River's top diver. Sheckler had 404.30 points, outlasting Pirate sophomore Sarah Wygle (384.25). Sheckler reached state in 2005, finishing ninth.

Sheckler and Wygle automatically qualify for regions. Cicanese and Arnold also both move on to the next round of competition.

[Last modified October 17, 2006, 05:21:55]