An interest in cliff diving and Olympic level diving led to the start of Woodland sophomore, Riley Clark’s, diving career. Now, as a sophomore, he has succeed in breaking the long-standing six dive record. He then broke it again and again- with his most recent score being over thirty points higher than the previous record.

Clark was inspired after watching cliff diving and Olympic diving.

“I saw it and said I want to do that,” recalls Clark, “So, my dad found me a coach.”

This was near the end of fifth grade for Clark. A lot has happened since then. This year, as a sophomore, he has shattered the previous record of 223.10 from 2011, with a new record of 255.10. This came during a home meet against fellow NVL team, Watertown, but was just one of the many times he has broke it.

While Clark does dive throughout the off season, he attributes a lot of his success to the Woodland team and specifically Boys’ Diving coach, Doug Mariano.

“Last year I started off easy and kind of restarted from the basics and worked up; however this year, Doug pushed me the day I walked on deck,” said Clark.

Mariano was and is never easy on Clark leading to success because one great dive is not enough for a great diver, and diving coach. When Clark succeeds in learning one dive, Mariano is ready to start the next. For Clark, Mariano is the difference he has seen that has led to success.

“If it was not for Doug, then I would not know half the dives I know now,” admits Clark. “I dive during the off season and those coaches let me take it easy; he does not. He pushes me constantly and I could not have broken the record without it.”

Last year, Clark was close to breaking the record but could not. So when it happened this year, he was ecstatic, but he is not satisfied yet. He plans to work until the six dive record is over 300 points and hopes to break the 11 dive record. For diving, 11 dives only comes during NVL championships and during States.

For a chance to see Clark in action, attend the upcoming Boy’s Swim meets.