MANCHESTER, Pa. — The York-Adams League swept the District III diving stage with Northeastern claiming girls and boys AAA gold and Susquehannock divers winning the AA.
But the four divers have a unique story behind them. They all train together, they’re friends, teammates and being one team despite wearing different uniforms.
Northeastern’s Stephen Barlett and Abby O’Leary and Susquehannock's Max Pflieger and Mckenna Porter became the first to sweep the AA and AA District III gold under head coach Rusty McCollum.
He’s head three win gold. Never all four.
“Unlike football or basketball, there’s no strategy. There’s a skill set and there’s dedication. Diving is such a small sport, that if we don’t provide the opportunities for the county, then our kids have no one to dive against. So, it really benefits the northeastern students to have as many schools dive as possible," said McCollum.
Because of COVID-19, their training hours have been separate but now, it's all hands on deck gearing up for states, together.
“We’re like best friends. If we don’t see each other that much, next time we see each other, it’s like we haven’t been away from each other at all," said Max Pflieger.
For the Towson University commit, Abby O'Leary is the only senior in the group. She is the first Bobcat to make states all four years but has yet to place at states.
“I’ve been wanting to medal since my freshman year and being one tenth off last year was kind of disappointing," said O'Leary.
It’s unfinished business for all, especially the AA student-athletes whose 2020 state championship was canceled right when the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Between these four divers, there are seven district titles and hungry for a state medal.
PIAA State Diving Championships are this Saturday, March 13th.