Ivan Zalessov Named Big Ten Diver Of The Week
12/11/2007 12:00:00 AM | Swimming and Diving
Dec. 11, 2007
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State divers swept the Big Ten Diver of the Week awards this week, as men's sophomore diver Ivan Zalessov (Okemos, Mich./Okemos) and junior Danielle Williams (Dorchester, Ontario/Clark Read) were named the men's and women's Big Ten Divers of the Week after each Spartan won both diving events at Ball State last Saturday. It was the first time Zalessov has won the award, while Williams has now claimed the honor twice this season. The conference office made the announcement Monday.
Zalessov won three-meter diving with a season-best score of 363.82, more than 105 points higher than his closest competitor. The Okemos native then recorded a 303.37 in one-meter diving, barely topping sophomore teammate David Garry's 301.49. Both of Zalessov's efforts qualify him for the NCAA Regional Championships in March. Michigan State won the dual at Ball State, 149-94.
"Ivan was terrific last weekend," MSU diving coach Eric Best said. "He has been working very hard, so I have been waiting for big scores like these to come from him. He has really decided he wants to be one of the best divers in the Big Ten."
Williams also won both boards, recording a 268.35 in the one-meter and 271.50 in three-meter diving. She was named the diver of the week on Oct. 22 after winning both boards against Illinois.
The Spartans are done for the calendar year and return to the pool on Friday, Jan. 11 at Valparaiso.
Players Mentioned
