Jericho's Tristan Yang places second at state boys diving championships

ITHACA — Jericho's Tristan Yang is only a sophomore, but he’s no stranger to competing in the state championships. Since he was in eighth grade, Yang has earned a spot on the winning podium.

This year was no different.

Yang finished second among public school competitors at the state Federation boys diving championships with a score of 500.55 on Friday at Ithaca College's Kelsey Partridge Bird Natatorium.

Matthew Wong of Francis Lewis High School won the event with 504.85 points. Yang finished third in the Federation behind Luke Leal of Suffern (504.60).

Last season, Yang placed first among public school divers and was second in the Federation.

“I came up here wanting to get first place again this year,” Yang said. “But I’m still happy with how I was able to perform.”

Yang had himself quite the season. At the Nassau championships on Feb. 7 at the Nassau Aquatic Center, Yang broke the county record with a score of 639.85, nearly 60 points more than the previous record of 580.35.

“He has the ability to not just dive well, but dive at a level that I believe we’ve never seen at the high-school level,” Jericho coach D.J. Volosevich said.

Volosevich said that there are many more accomplishments to come from Yang and he’s excited to be a part of the rest of his diving journey.

“This is his third state championship, and he’s only a sophomore,” Volosevich said. “I know he’ll do some special things up here in the next two years and I can’t wait to see it. I have no doubt that by his senior season, he'll be a champion again.”

But to become a champion, Yang knows it will come down to training hard and holding himself to a high standard.

“I think really working on my drylands this offseason will help come back even stronger next year,” Yang said. “I’m still after that championship.”

Deer Park’s Tyler Romero, who won the Suffolk title in early February with a score of 429.85, finished 24th in the state with a score of 227.65 following his eight dives on Friday.

“He did an amazing job this season,” Deer Park coach Daniella Cornelia said. “He worked really hard to get to states, and it was awesome watching him compete against other great divers.”

As a diver who had never made it to the state championships, Romero said having the opportunity to compete in Ithaca was the best way to end his high school diving career.

“I had a great experience coming out here,” the senior said. “I got to meet tons of skilled divers and was around so many positive people. I’m grateful I got to end my season here.”