DIVING : Underdogs Create a Splash at City Finals

Neither Gustavo Matamoros of Bell High nor Ozzie Ordaz of Roosevelt had their sights set on winning the City diving finals Friday afternoon. Although the seniors were one-two in the Northeast League diving finals, they came into the City competition aware that they were heavy underdogs.

Matamoros has practiced and competed his entire three-year career without a coach, and Ordaz has only been competing in the sport for seven months.

But Matamoros and Ordaz were both winners in their own way Friday at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center. Both earned medals in the nine-athlete competition--Matamoros took third, and Ordaz came in sixth.

Overall, Birmingham’s Dov Zimring won the boys’ City title and teammate Janelle Speriglio won the girls’ title. It was Zimring’s second championship and Speriglio’s third.

“I didn’t expect (to place third) because it was a really competitive competition,” said Matamoros. “I’m really happy. I did my best and was rewarded.”

For his efforts, Matamoros earned a trip to the City swimming finals May 19 at the Belmont Plaza in Long Beach, where the top four boys and girls finishers will put on an exhibition.

Not bad for a diver who is lucky to practice more than four hours a week without any real instruction.

Ordaz also pulled off a surprise performance.

In his final dive Friday, he aced his most difficult attempt, a one-and-a-half somersault with a full twist which he had only made once before--on Wednesday.

“I have never been able to complete the half. I always landed head first,” said Ordaz, who finished four points out of fourth place. “I’m so proud of myself. Seven months and no equipment. Only myself, the board, my coach and the water.”