Huesman leads Irish in win over Oakland
By NOREEN GILLESPIE
Saint Mary's Editor
Herb Huesman did a lot more than just lead the Irish to victory on Saturday. He achieved a goal that one year ago, doctors could have said would be impossible.
Decorated as one of the leading divers in the Notre Dame diving program's history, Huesman was about to enter his junior season as a two-time NCAA Zone qualifier and as a two-time record holder in the 1-meter diving.
But a questionable tumor discovered in Huesman's lung shortly before the season began would postpone any dreams of qualifying for NCAA championships that year. Surgery completed last fall that removed a benign tumor from his chest red-shirted the diver, leaving him to watch from the sidelines, yearning to return.
And return he did.
Posting a collegiate-best score, Huesman climbed out of the water after his last dive Saturday and smiled at his beaming coach. He had finished the dive eclipsing his personal best and the school 3 meter diving record, and Huesman knew he was back.
Completing his final dive, a back 1 1/2 somersault with a 2 1/2 twist, Huesman knew he had achieved his goal.
"I knew I broke it," he said. "It's something I'd been shooting for, and the 3 meter is my favorite, so this was important."
The diving record was previously heldy by Sean Hyer's mark of 351.60 was set in 1992. Huesman's mark of 360.90 shattered the record by nine points.
If that victory weren't enough, Huesman answered again in the 1 meter diving, posting another first place finish for the day.
"Right before conference, this is a good time to feel back where you were," Huesman said.
Huesman will look to the Big East Championships Feb.17-21 in Uniondale, N.Y. for some solid competition and a preview of what he will taste at the NCAA championships.
"This is a great meet to prepare you [for NCAAs]," Huesman said. "The competition is great. We have the best people in the world in our conference." Huesman's dual wins fueled the Irish with 32 points that led the Irish to a victory over Oakland University that evened their season record at 4-4.
The Irish also picked up wins from junior Dan Szilier, junior Ryan Verlin and sophomore Jonothan Pierce. Szilier swept the breastroke events, while Verlin dominated both the 100 and 200 butterfly. Pierce wrapped up with wins in both distance freestyle events.
The Irish will wrap up their dual meet season against St. Bonaventure Saturday, February 5 at 1 p.m. at Rolfs Aquatic Center.
All Sports Stories for Tuesday, February 1, 2000
