Divers could give Gators edge

It's easy to understand why area divers might feel forgotten or even slighted during the area's swimming and diving season.

They compete on a different day, at a different pool, while the rest of the team works together at meets.

That's why Green Valley coach Bob Swift has gone out of his way to bring his divers and swimmers closer together. After all, he knows those "forgotten" divers might be the key for his team's chances at a Sunrise Region title.

"It does make it hard when they don't see each other very much," Swift said. "We require that the swimmers all go and attend a diving meet. Then the divers have to come to the swim meets. It gets more of a team (feel)."

The Sunrise finals are set for 2 p.m. today at UNLV. The Sunset Region finals are scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Green Valley seniors Blake Bitton and Ryan Chatwin got the Gators boys off to a good start in Tuesday's diving finals. Bitton finished first with a score of 401.25, Chatwin was second at 370.1 and junior Tyler Baldwin (310.55) was fourth.

"The diving is very important," Swift said. "We have two great divers that should lead out."

While many teams, especially boys teams, can lean on a handful of strong club swimmers, Swift's squad also gets leadership from other sources.

"We have some good, committed seniors who are working hard," Swift said. "They haven't been club swimmers, but they work hard and are good leaders."

Coronado, Boulder City and Silverado figure to fight Green Valley for the top spot on the boys side.

The Gators also could contend for the Sunrise girls championship. Two-time defending state champion Coronado should contend along with Silverado.

In the Sunset Region meet, Palo Verde looks to repeat as champion in both the boys and girls events.

The Panthers boys team is especially strong, led by quality, experienced swimmers.

"Their top-end swimmers are overwhelming the competition," Cimarron coach Jessie Gonzalez said. "Their medley relay will set a new regional record and could set a state record."

The top two finishers in each event from each region meet advance to next week's state meet, also at UNLV. A fifth Southern Nevada representative in each event will be determined by comparing the third-place times between the Sunset and Sunrise meets.