Abington, Upper Moreland shine at District 1 diving

TOWAMENCIN >> Just a freshman, Conor Gesing’s goal was to place in the top eight Friday night and qualify for the PIAA Championships.

Eleven rounds later, Gesing had compiled a score of 571.50 and had earned himself the District 1-3A Diving Title.

“This does give me confidence,” said a smiling Gesing, moments after receiving his gold medal. “I felt like I worked hard and deserved a spot at states.”

It was Abington’s night in Class 3A.

Gesing topped Ghost teammate Sam Henninger for the gold, scoring a 571.50 to Henninger’s 564.20 in a tight battle all the way.

“Sam’s a great diver and he deserves what he got as well,” Gesing said.

Meanwhile, over in Class 2A, the Upper Moreland duo of Brandon Bush and Dylan Swedberg notched the two states spots. Swedberg earned the silver with a 359.60 and Bush was the gold medalist with a 413.55.

“It’s pretty exciting,” said Bush, another freshman. “Coming into it I thought I had a chance. I was a little nervous because there were a lot of divers but it was a lot of fun.

“It was tiring sitting through all those divers but once they started making cuts it went faster so it went easier. I’m really looking forward to states. It’s my first time so I just want to see it and have fun.”

Gesing gained some separation with his reverse two and a half.

Said the freshman: “I was very nervous for it and turned out really well. I was nervous going into finals. I wanted to do well and I’m proud of what I got.

“I’m really excited for states. I don’t have any expectations. I’m just hoping for the best I guess.”

Upper Dublin’s Michael Burke captured the bronze medal with a 532.75. Also earning a trip to states out of Class 3A were West Chester Rustin’s Alec Pirone (473.65), Council Rock North’s Luke Dotson (472.15), North Penn’s Evan Meiers (466.30), Penncrest’s Kerian Clark (466.10), and West Chester Henderson’s Will Merrill (437.10).