2011 High Dive Field Trip

We were a smaller group this year that headed over to the Penn State High Dives but those that went had a blast.

We arrived at Penn State's outdoor pool around lunch time
so the group sat down for a quick lunch (click on picture to enlarge).


 Lunch was a fast affair and the kids had to complete the water test before entering the pool.  If unable to pass, then the failed swimmer had to wear a lifejacket.

Jersey Shore assistant coach Dave Keegan had to be in the water as the
swimmers swam across the pool (Penn State's request for safety) Click on picture to enlarge.



Each swimmer also had to tread water for one minute. 
(click on picture to enlarge).



To view more on the high dives (including some video clips), click Read More below

And then it was off to the high dives where they fell from great heights.
(click on picture to enlarge).

The Leaps on Video

The swimmers jumped without hesitation as can be seen with the video below.  Either they weren't to afraid or they wanted to get down as fast as possible.

It was the coaches that were a different story.  They seemed to have taken their time and contemplate a bit more.  In the video below, assistant coach Mitch Thompson doesn't jump but leaves the platform with a graceful dive. 

Not to have his brother outdo him, head coach Lee Thompson follows shortly with a graceful entry from the platform.

But the "Greatest Hesitation Award" of the day goes to assistant coach Dave Keegan who had to be verbally pushed off the platform by his swimmers.

For some swimmers, the 7 meter platform was a bit much and took advantage of the 5 meter platform.......

.......or the 1 meter platform

The swimmers also took advantage of the springboard to try their hand at some flips.

After several hours of swimming, it was off to Penn State's creamery for some homemade ice cream.

Swimmers standing in line at the PSU Creamery

Swimmers placing order for flavor

The group enjoying the ice cream in the PSU Creamery courtyard.

Eating ice cream can be a messy affair.

Last year, the group had a picture taken on the Nittany Lion.  The plan was to take a group picture at the Joe Paterno statue.  We gave the kids a choice to have the group picture at one or the other, with a majority rule.  Most kids chose the Nittany Lion.

Swimmers, coaches, and drivers.  Click on picture to enlarge.