Saint Patrick divers only had one goal on Saturday at the Stevenson Relays, reclaiming the championship, and that’s exactly what they did.

Senior captain Michael Wright wasted no time showing some of the states best that he was here. Last year, Wright was thought to be a lock for the schools first state diving medal but a back injury late in the season knocking him out of the sectional and state meet. However, in his fourth and final Stevenson Relays, Wright put up one of the largest totals in the relays history. As the optional diver of the relay team, with senior David Curiel, Wright put up a score of 285.60 points in six dives. “I have never seen Michael so calm and relaxed during a meet, until today,” said Coach Michael Fosco.

While nerves have sometimes haunted Wright during his diving career, this summer’s USA/AAU season proved to be very helpful. At nationals in Largo, Florida, representing Oakton Diving Club, he placed 17th on one-meter, 26th on three-meter, and 15th on 10-meter tower. “This summer Michael put everything into diving. Last year’s injury really left him feeling empty. The goal was to take the school’s first state medal but that didn’t happen. Now, his focus is to win the whole thing, to win the state title,” coach Fosco.

The amazing part of the story is that Wright is exactly what high school sports were created to do. “When Michael came to Saint Patrick he never dove before. He lives in Oak Park and chose Saint Patrick because he and his family really liked the school. It is amazing to see where he is today because of his lack of any experience coming in. Out in the suburbs, divers come in with full list and much experience, not Michael. He had to work to get where he is,” said coach Fosco. That is exactly what he has done. Now, he will lead the rest of the Shamrock divers to a possible unprecedented season.

Senior David Curiel and junior Kevin Nitsche will battle it out for the second spot on the roster. Curiel returns for his final year with high hopes of contributing to the team while Nitsche comes into his second season with high hopes. “My goal this year is to make state,” said Nitsche. He comes off a successful season last year with medal finishes as a relay member with Wright at the Shamrock Relays and Frosh/Soph Conference. Nitsche also took some time out this fall season and worked out at Oakton Diving Club at Northeastern Illinois University. “I worked out a little this summer but come fall I really wanted to put more time and seriousness into my diving, so the club was the only choice. If I want to make state I have to put the time in.” Kevin is another amazing story because with only a year experience, he has high expectations. Nitsche had no experience and never thought about diving until his sophomore year and now as a junior he puts the pressure on himself to make state.

The team rounds out with senior Joe Lill, senior John Rudden, Senior Jeff Costa, and freshman John Wilk who will all contribute throughout the season. “Our team has a range of talent but no one is more important than the next. That’s what makes us one of the states elite teams. Everyone matters,” coach Fosco.

The Shamrocks host Niles West, Maine South, and Saint Ignatius next Saturday at the Shamrock Relays. Last year, the Shamrocks won the diving event for the first time since 1982.