Dodson Becomes Florida's Second NCAA Qualifier at Zone B Diving Championships
Sunday, March 16, 2008 | Women's Swimming & Diving
In just her first season as a collegiate diver, freshman Monica Dodson became the second Gator to qualify for the NCAA Championships on the final day of the 2008 Zone B Diving Championships. Dodson rode a ninth place finish and a combined total score of 470.80 on the platform, to qualify for the 2008 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships.
Dodson joins Jeana Bartell who qualified on day two of the Zone B Championships thanks to a sixth place finish on the three-meter spring board. The two Gators become two of just 12 athletes selected to the NCAA meet.
“I thought all of the girls dove really well,” said head diving coach Donnie Craine. ”Monica was selected for the NCAA meet so we're very excited and we're really looking forward to next week.”
Florida saw three of their divers in the final round on the platform, as Dodson was joined by Jennifer Funch and Whitney Stern. Funch turned in a 15th place finish, totaling 418.70 points while Stern was just one place behind in the 16th spot with a score of 415.80 Sarah Ellerby and Bartell rounded out Florida's point scorers, finishing 21st and 26th with preliminary scores of 178.90 and 154.70 respectively.
With Dodson and Bartell qualified for the NCAA Championships, this becomes the first time in Craine's coaching tenure at Florida that he has seen two of his athletes qualify for the NCAA meet in the same year. Both Dodson and Bartell will go on to compete on each height at the NCAA meet.
Florida's Platform Finishers
- Monica Dodson P: 244.65 F: 226.15 T: 470.80
15. Jennifer Funch P: 224.55 F: 195.14 T: 418.70
16. Whitney Stern P: 208.40 F: 207.40 T: 415.80
21. Sarah Ellerby P: 178.90
26. Jeana Bartell P: 154.70
Florida's Qualifiers:
Jeana Bartell
Monica Dodson
Complete results for the meet can be found by going to www.auburntigers.com.
