The Collegian

Issue date: 5/13/05 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Karyn Gilbert Robert Wimberly sits on the 1-meter diving board of the June Fergusson Pool.

As a sophomore at Tokay High School, Robert Wimberly found himself growing disillusioned with baseball, and the limited playing time the high school team offered. While diving and swimming in a P.E. class one day, Wimberly envisioned an alternative sport flash in his mind's eye.

"While I was messing around on the board, said Wimberly, I thought to myself that diving was something that I really enjoyed and might want to pursue."

Although the sport resides somewhere on the fringe of the mainstream, Wimberly took to the demanding, courage-challenging sport, noticing the shift from a fun activity, to a sport with hidden nuances.

"The sport is very regimented," said Wimberly, "from the way you walk on the board, to the way you enter the water. It took a lot to get used to."

Fast forwarding about three years, and now diving carves out a sizeable chuck of the 19-year-old's life. As Delta's only diver, (other schools generally have a handful) practices can often be trying and numbingly intense, creating a sort of isolated existence.

"I'll admit, since I am the only diver, the everyday practices can become somewhat boring," said Wimberly. "I really enjoy when the swim team is around, so I can laugh and joke around a bit."

Diving coach Mike Leabo copped to the somewhat-secluded environment, of the Delta "team" diving practices. "Most schools have three to four divers, but to Robert's credit he never missed a practice. His dedication made the situation as comfortable as possible. Flat out, he worked his butt off."

Wimberly's day often didn't end with diving practice at Delta. During the 2005 season, Wimberly coached the St. Mary's High School diving team at the University of Pacific. When daylight would start to fade, yielding to blackness, Wimberly frequently made the trek to UOP to continue his chlorine-dominated day.

"It's flattering to coach the high school kids. It's really a great experience, and to be honest, coaching really helped to sharpen my skills as much as the other divers," he said.

The persistence and hard work paid off. Over the course of the diving year, Wimberly amassed an impressive record, going undefeated in dual meets, and placing second in both the one- and three-meter diving competitions at the Northern California Championships in late April.

Continued...

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