Diving into a national debut
It only took one workout for Olympic diver Thomas Finchum to put his stamp of approval on the new University of Iowa Campus Recreation and Wellness Center.
“I like everything,” Finchum said. “I love it. It’s just a beautiful facility to look at. Really, everything is perfect.”
Finchum was in Iowa City on Thursday to get a feel for the facility in advance of the 2011 USA Diving Winter National Championships, held Jan. 30 to Feb. 6.
Finchum, who placed 12th in the 10-meter at the Beijing Olympics, and several other divers out of the National Training Center in Indianapolis gave the new diving well in the rec center a workout.
“We really appreciated the chance to get out here and get the lay of the land,” Finchum said. “I think it’s going to help us with our confidence. It’s an awesome pool.”
The $70-million facility was finished and opened last summer and includes a wide selection of recreation and workout options for students and the general public. But it also is home to the Iowa swimming and diving team, who had competed in the Field House pool for 73 years.
Iowa diving coach Bob Rydze said USA Diving has returned to Iowa City for the first time since 1939 because of the new facility.
“Any time there’s a new facility in the United States, divers want to come and dive,” Rydze said. “We’re going to hold a lot of events here. It’s a great place to hold a diving event.”
Rydze said Vince Panzano, the Ohio State diving coach and three-time Olympic diving coach, was impressed when he was at the facility in December.
“He’s a hard person to please, and he thought this was the best place he’s been,” Rydze said. “Not just because of the pool, but because the hotel is right by the ped mall. There are so many things right there within walking distance.”
For the athletes, the new diving well is exciting for a couple reasons. One, the water is heated and the pool is warm. Two, the bottom of the well is black with a yellow Tiger Hawk on it, which makes it easy for divers to find their spots.
“It’s important to spot and see where you’re going and know exactly where your surroundings are,” Finchum said. “We’ve all been able to see everything perfectly here.”
Rydze and Finchum hope that people find the time to stop over during the competition and watch about 125 of the nation’s top divers compete.
“U.S. diving is really strong right now,” Finchum said. “This is an actual qualifier for the world championships, and there’s going to be some great competitions.”
The event features 1- and 3-meter springboard event, plus platform diving and synchronized diving. Several current and former Hawkeyes are expected to compete as well.
“Just come and watch and you’ll be amazed,” Rydze said. “There’s something for everyone. The best divers in the world are going to be here.”
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