OHS diver Mason Meinershagen (9) had no idea what to expect for her first season of high school diving. However, she ended up on a podium at the Missouri Girls Swimming and Diving State Championships.

“I wasn’t (even) expecting to qualify,” said Meinershagen. She qualified on Tuesday, Jan. 14, in a dual meet against Pattonville.   

With a score of 366.20, she placed fifth at the state meet and earned a medal.  She is extremely excited and proud of this accomplishment, and hopes to place even higher in future years.  She considers her State dives to be the best of her season, and she’s thrilled that all of her work paid off when it mattered most.  

During her season, she faced a lot of triumphs and tribulations, even at her best meet, the Conference Meet at Pattonville. Conference was an 11 dive meet, where she scored her highests points of the year. Her last dive, however, she did not get points for because she only did one twist, instead of two. Regardless, she ended with 366 points, and placed third in the meet.  

“It was so cool to be surrounded by so many talented girls,” said Meinershagen.  “It was nerve racking but so much fun to be a part of.”

Meinershagen was previously a gymnast before an injury, and she’s used those skills to make herself a better diver. This also isn’t her first time trying dive. When she was in sixth grade, she tried diving for fun in Clayton, but when they asked her to be on their club team, she turned them down because of a busy schedule.  

“This season has been really awesome,” said Meinershagen “and I can’t wait for the next three years.”