Palatine's Fisher wins MSL diving

The theme Friday night at Barrington's pool was “double.”

Palatine senior Mallory Fisher doubled her pleasure by winning a second straight Mid-Suburban League diving title, this time with an 11-dive total of 388.25.

Prospect's senior Pekar twins placed second (Christina, 372.1) and seventh (Sarah, 321.4).

Fremd's junior Uhrich twins placed third (Elizabeth, 353.45) and sixth (Stephanie, 333.65).

For Fisher, the evening was singularly satisfying. In the same meet last season, Fisher found herself experiencing quite a different double: She was practically doubled over in pain after her shoulder popped out during a dive.

Fisher iced down and persevered to win that day, and she went on to take eight place in the state meet.

Then, over the summer, she endured a stress fracture in her spine that took away some eight weeks of training, including part of the high school season.

She was doubly relieved on Friday to be mostly free of pain, and it showed in her calm approach.

“I think the main difference this year is that I'm just really confident in all my dives,” said Fisher. “Last year, there were one or two dives where I'd just be thinking, ‘I've just got to make it through this dive, somehow.' Now I know I can do it.”

Fisher's peace of mind might have something to do with her demeanor. She's verbally accepted a scholarship offer from Illinois State. For now, though, she'll stay focused on finishing her senior year in style.

“Just one dive at a time,” she said. “It doesn't do any good to think about where I'll finish at sectional or state. I think it will turn out fine.”

Palatine coach Donna O'Brien is thinking positive thoughts for Fisher as well. Asked if there was a noticeable difference in Fisher from last year, O'Brien said, “Mallory is extremely confident in all her dives.”

Prospect diving coach Pat Kivland was pleased with his Pekars' performances, especially given the career arc both have shown.

“They didn't start diving until their sophomore years, so to end up performing at this level is really something,” he said. “They're both wonderful kids. You get kids like them, who really listen and apply themselves, and it makes (coaching) easy.”

Christian Pekar's final dive, a back somersault with 2½ twists, drew 5s and 6s from the judges. And with a 2.7 degree of difficulty, it kept her within shouting distance of Fisher and the lead.

Palatine's Stephanie Hamer placed fourth at 348.3, just ahead of Hersey's Katie Dewar in fifth at 340.15.

Hamer, for one, appreciates the example that her teammate Fisher has been setting.

“She's so inspirational to me,” said Hamer. “Just watching the way she goes about everything, how dedicated she is, is awesome.”

The swimming portion of the meet continues today, with the meet scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. at Barrington.