SIUC senior diver Alex Wright left his hometown of Commerce City, Colo., four years ago to come to SIUC and become an All-American diver. Now he has that chance.

Wright qualified for the NCAA Diving Championships after his performance at the Zone D Diving Championships in Austin, Texas, Saturday.

Wright had three top-10 finishes at the competition, which moved him along with six other divers to the NCAA Championships in Auburn, Ala., March 26-28. The top 32 divers in the nation will compete and the top 16 finishers become All-Americans.

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Wright scored a second-place finish in the platform competition with a score of 437.55. He also placed fifth in the 1-meter competition (485.05) and ninth in the 3-meter competition (434.00).

Diving coach Dave Ardrey said Wright’s performance at the Zone D Championships should have him fully prepared for the NCAA Championships.

I thought he did a great job there, Ardrey said. It was a very difficult meet only seven guys come out of the zone so it’s a pretty nice achievement.

Wright qualified for the NCAA Championships last season, but could not overcome the elite competition. Wright finished in 19th in the platform, 21st in the 1-meter and 32nd in the 3-meter last season, but he expects to improve those numbers this year.

My goal last year was top 16, Wright said. I feel that goal is more attainable this year. Last year was a chance to watch all the best divers, and this year is a chance to dive with the best.

Ardrey said Wright should be able to build on last season’s competitive meet after another year of training.

Last year was a good experience for him, Ardrey said. Hopefully, he’ll be able to excel at the meet and bring home All-American honors.

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It is a very different meet. The top 32 divers in the nation will be there, so he will have his hands full. It’s just a very competitive atmosphere.

Wright is confident of his chances of becoming SIU’s first All-American diver since Rob Siracusano in 1992 and does not feel any pressure toward completing the goal he set when first arriving in Carbondale.

I’m just going to go there and do my thing, Wright said. There was more pressure at the zones that was the tough meet. Now you’re already there, so you have to do what you can and enjoy it.

Wright will compete in the NCAA Diving Championships March 26-28 in Auburn, Ala.