Elder senior diver Mitch Godar finished seventh in the state on February 20^th. He ended his diving career at Elder with a final score of 460.15.

Godar was the only local to qualify for state, and he represented Elder and Cincinnati well.

“I’m extremely happy with my seventh place,” Godar said. “It feels great to end my high school diving career with the best meet of my life. All my hard work finally paid off, I couldn’t be happier.”

Just two years ago, he placed 16^th in state which was no small feat for a sophomore. Last year he lapsed, having a bad final meet and placing 23^rd out of 24.  Unhappy with his result, he worked all off season to get back to where he needed to be.

“Last year’s state meet was a real disappointment finishing 23rd.” He went on to say, “I didn’t know it at the time but it was the best thing that could have happened to me. I used that anger and frustration as motivation at every practice. I came back to the state meet this year with nothing but redemption on my mind and that’s exactly what I got.”

He did what he knew best.

“I stuck with the same [dive] list I have been doing all season. But my reverse and inward 2 ½ were my most difficult dives,” Godar said. “I nailed my inward 2 ½ for my highest scoring dive all season and also did one of the best reverse 2 1/2s.”

Since the first day he bounced off the board his freshman year, he has been nothing but spectacular. Every diving record at Elder belongs to Godar, some of them twice over.

As he grabs the ladder to emerge from the pool he turns his focus to the already strong lacrosse team. He will be a member of the varsity for the second straight year as a middy. The team is filled with experience with many returning varsity starters. They expect a great year because of their offseason preparation and determination.

“I’m looking forward to a great season.”

Godar will attend University of Cincinnati and join their dive team where he will continue to make waves both academically and off the boards.