Luke Knezevic

College of Wooster junior Luke Knezevic became the first male diver in school history to earn first-team All-American honors Thursday, by finishing in eighth-place in the one-meter event at the NCAA Div. III Swimming and Diving Championships in Knoxville, Tenn.

Knezevic, who was competing for the first time at nationals, had an excellent showing in Thursday morning's prelims with a tally of 412.75, which earned him a spot in the championship finals.

"Luke surprised everybody this morning," remarked head coach Rob Harrington. "Going into the season, Luke was seeded just inside the top-30 in the country on the one-meter board. To see him ranked among the top-four in the prelims was more than we could have ever dreamed. It really shows how hard he has worked."

In the evening, Knezevic remained consistent while competing against the best divers in the nation, and scored 382.00 points to secure eighth-place and a spot on the All-America First Team.

"Luke was extremely focused today," said Harrington. "We couldn't be more happy for him, and for our school, because Luke has gotten Wooster's swimming and diving program back on the national stage."

On Saturday, Knezevic competed in the three-meter diving event, where he finished in 21st-place with a score of 408.80. Thanks to Knezevic's efforts during the weekend, Wooster scored 11 team points and tied for 37th.

Only two other male divers in school history have been named All-Americans. Wooster's current diving coach Eric Haschke earned 10th-place in the three-meter event in 1996 and Tim Bruno finished 10th in the one-meter event in 1986. 

Knezevic was named the North Coast Athletic Conference's Diver of the Year as a sophomore, but actually scored higher at this year's conference meet, which helped his bid for nationals.

To watch a video feature about Knezevic from earlier this month, click here.