Iowa Selected as a USA Diving 'Center of Excellence'

Jan. 15, 2014

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa diving coach Todd Waikel and the Hawkeye diving program have been selected as a USA Diving “Center of Excellence” for 2014, USA Diving announced Wednesday. Iowa received the distinction based on its outstanding results and continual production of world-class athletes.

“I am very pleased USA Diving has chosen Iowa diving to be a “Center of Excellence,” said Waikel. “This is a great step in the right direction for our program, team, facility, and I am honored.”

Former Hawkeye Deidre Freeman has turned into a major player on the national scene under Waikel’s tutelage. The Grinnell, Iowa, native won the 3-meter synchronized diving event at USA Diving Winter Nationals, claimed the 3-meter and 3-meter synchro events at the AT&T Diving Championships and placed 11th in the 1-meter springboard at the FINA World Championships.

Waikel is in his second season with the UI diving program. During his first year-and-a-half with the Hawkeyes, he has coached five Big Ten Diver of the Week selections and guided Addison Boschult to a school-record in the men’s platform event.

The Hawkeyes return to action Saturday, hosting Illinois (women only), Missouri and Indiana at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center Pool beginning at 11 a.m. (CT).