Ohio diver looking to repeat MAC Diver of the Year honor

by Lindsey Elling
Staff Writer

Last year at the Mid-American Championships, diver Robert Krichbaum set a new conference record in the 1-meter diving competition, placed fourth in the 3-meter and was named MAC Diver of the Year. Recently, Krichbaum talked with The Post’s Lindsey Elling about the 2002-03 season.

The Post:  What is the outlook for the team this year?

Krichbaum:  This year, we went from three to 12 (divers) on the team, so just having more people at practice is already making it easier. As far as meet-wise, I think we should do pretty well as long as we get our heads in the game.

The Post:  Are you looking forward to any meets in particular?

Krichbaum:  Obviously, the MAC Championship meet because that is what we train for. Also, just all the meets that are against the other MAC schools, because those are the most important other than championships.

The Post:  What are your personal goals for this year?

Krichbaum:  Qualify for NCAA pre-quals again and just keep getting personal records for individual scores.

The Post:  What do you think about on the board right before you make your dive?

Krichbaum:  The only thing I think about is just having good form on the board. If you leave the board in the right position, the dive will be in the right position.

The Post:  Do you have a favorite dive?

Krichbaum:  None of them are favorites. I have least favorites, but those are just ones I hit the board on.

The Post:  What is the Green and White Meet all about?

Krichbaum:  It’s an intra-meet squad where they just split up the teams into Green and White teams, because that’s what it’s called. We are just trying to start off the season and get things going. We treat it like a meet situation, but you know everyone, obviously. It gets us going (to) try to prepare us for Ohio State this Friday.

The Post:  What will you be focusing on this season?

Krichbaum:  All aspects have tons of room for improvement, so I will do a little bit here, a little bit there.

The Post:  Are you looking forward for the chance to take on ••The Post•• again this year?

Krichbaum:  I am always looking forward to that, even though they beat me. They need to come back and try to defend their title.