Asher Lichtig receiving silver medal from Steve Sherman Photo Ohlen Alexander

Divers from around Northern California traveled to Sherman Swim School in Lafayette last weekend to compete in the 49th Annual Sherman Invitational Diving Meet. The one-meter springboard witnessed 66 divers of all ages--from seven year old Jayden Briggs, winner of the 7 & under boy's event, to International Masters Diving Champion Bob Sherman, winner of the 80-89 year old contest.
While out-of-towners had a good run, local divers proved to be tough competition. Sherman Diver Asher Lichtig placed second with 286.15 points in the 14-15 year-old Junior Olympic Boys despite practicing only twice in the last month.
Although competition is fierce, this invitational event is a welcoming to novice divers, called "Future Champions." These new divers compete in one of five Future Champion levels and skills include forward and backward jumps, or forward and backward falling entries, "line-ups."
Joe Zachrin, a Moraga resident, competed and won his first diving meet with 107.2 points. Zachrin performed four skills in two dives.
Among the local Masters from Sherman Divers -- those 20 years and older -- Marie Estorge of Walnut Creek dived one of her best meets, taking second place in the women's 40-49 age group with 311.70 points. Mike McGowan of Berkeley won in the men's 60-69 age group with 284.55.