The LSU men’s and women’s diving teams faced stiff competition during winter break, thriving on momentum from a strong end to the fall season.
Coach Doug Shaffer got a glimpse of how his team compares with the nation’s elite during trips to the USA Diving Winter National Championships and the Georgia Diving Invitational.
“When you face tough competition, it requires you to be on your game,” Shaffer said. “I was really happy with our performances.”
The Lady Tigers’ (2-2, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) duo of junior Elle Schmidt and freshman Alex Bettridge had an impressive showing at the Georgia Invitational. Bettridge collected a fourth-place finish on the one-meter springboard and a sixth-place finish on the platform.
“I did well, but there’s certainly places where I can improve,” Bettridge said. “There’s missing spots in my list that I can improve on.”
Bettridge’s fierce athleticism and competitive nature make her a powerful force, Shaffer said.
“She just has a real Tiger desire,” Shaffer said. “I have nothing but a bright outlook for her as an LSU Tiger.”
Bettridge, who is still adjusting to collegiate diving, was encouraged by her dives over the break.
“I feel so close to the team,” Bettridge said. “I have a lot more time with [Shaffer]. I want to achieve the goals that I’ve been going towards, and the SEC [championship] and NCAA [championship] are my last chance.”
The Tigers (1-3, 1-2 SEC) were propelled by sophomore Daniel Helm and senior Matt Vieke, who admit to engaging in friendly sparring.
“Me and Vieke always go at it,” Helm said. “It’s a good little rivalry. We push each other.”
Helm collected a fourth-place finish on the three-meter dive at the Georgia Invitational, with Vieke close behind in fifth. Similarly, Helm finished fifth on the platform with Vieke just behind his teammate in seventh.
Helm said the winter break competition served as a benchmark and motivator for the Tigers and Lady Tigers, with both teams gaining valuable experience for the SEC championships in February.
“This is the last leg of the race,” Helm said. “We just have to kick it into high gear and finish strong.”
Vieke said he hopes his early solid performances will continue.
The LSU swimming and diving teams return to competition with a dual meet against future SEC foe Texas A&M on Jan. 21 at noon at the LSU Natatorium.
 
 
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Contact Chandler Rome at [email protected]