History

Celebrating Our Legacy in Diving Excellence

Since its inception, Saskatoon Diving Club has been a cornerstone of the local and national diving community. Our story is one of passion, perseverance, and achievement, built on decades of dedication from athletes, coaches, and supporters. From our early days to producing world-class athletes like Olympic medalist Rylan Weins, the club has continually pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport of diving.

This timeline showcases the highlights of our journey, capturing the incredible moments, events, and individuals who have shaped Saskatoon Diving Club’s rich history. With each dive, we’ve celebrated progress, teamwork, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence.

Explore the milestones that define who we are and discover the legacy we’re building for future generations of divers.

Timeline

1922

Bevan Lawson lived in Saskatoon and Regina, was director of Red Cross water safety program for 35 years, and an innovator in the sport of springboard diving.

1932

Lawrence “Curly” Woodhead won his first diving medal in 1932. In 1937, Woodhead placed fourth in the 3 metre event at the British Empire Games trials.

1939

Audrey Turner was Saskatchewan champion from 1939 – 1948. In the Canadian championships she placed 2nd from 1939 – 1945, then placed first from 1946 – 1948.

1947

Ronnie Hodges was a Canadian junior champion in 1947.

1961

Ross Hetherington, the university coach, was instrumental in the diving careers of Kathy Rollo and Ron Friesen. He had an interesting coaching style. Hodges was a Canadian junior champion in 1947.

1962

Lawrence Smuk (Michaels) was a university champion in the early 60’s who went on to coach Kathy Rollo, Ron Friesen, and Tony Schidlo. He was a wonderful coach.

1962

Larry Jensen — Western Intercollegiate champion in 1 metre and 3 metre in 1962, placed fifth in the 1 metre 1965 Canadian senior championships.

1964

Kathy (McDonald) Lane started diving in the early 60’s and by 1966 she was a Canadian 1 metre champion. She won a bronze in the 3 metre at 1967 Pan Am Games.

1964

Kathy Rollo was a Canadian Collegiate Champion in 1971. She then earned a spot on the 1972 Olympic Team. Today, she represents Canada as a judge..

1965

Tony Schidlo was a Western Canadian University Champion. But his true calling was coaching Ron Friesen and Kathy Rollo at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.

1965

Debbie Parkinson proved herself a worthy teammate with Kathy Rollo. Her best finish was silver medals in the 1 and 3 metre boards at the University Nationals.

1968

Ron Friesen begins his illustrious career winning 6 national university titles and 7 senior national titles. He was a member of the 1972 Olympic Team.

1968

Mike Boyd is your typical renaissance man. An accomplished horseman, gymnast, diver, and academic, Mike can do it all. He retired an accomplished neorosurgeon.

1974

Just as Dave Elder entered college all his mentors retired. Always competitive provincially and nationally, he kept the Saskatoon club on the diving radar.

1977

Cindy Afseth started out as a recreational diver and progressed to become a provincial champion in the 1 metre and 3 metre boards.

1980

John Hasell was a great age group competitor who would mature to be a senior provincial springboard champion.

1981

Jonathan Wright another great age group diver, put on a great performance in winning a bronze medal at the 1981 Canada Summer Games.

1983

Holly Gates was a great age group and senior national competitor. She especially performed well in the platform event.

1985

Jeff Bacon started young and by the time he was an adult he was a Canadian champion in the 3 metre. Jeff represented Canada at the 1994 Commonwealth Games.

1986

Angela Borthwick started her diving career in Saskatoon at an early age and progressed to place 4th at the the Senior Nationals by the age of 18.

1986

Karl Fix transferred his trampoline skills to the diving boards and soon became one of the best age group divers in Canada.

1987

The Wionzek name became synonymous with the sport of diving. Jessica and Aaron, coached by their dad, made their mark as age group divers and college divers.

2001

Kendra Melnychuck was an age group national champion a number of times during the mid 2000. She was an NCAA medalist diving for the University of Missouri.

2007

Raymond James Hessleberg, a fun loving diver from Saskatoon, would excel as a member of the Texas Christian University swimming and diving team.

2007

Kesha Naylor developed her diving skills in Saskatoon and went on to star with the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.

2010

Ainsley Oliver won the platform title at the Wildcat Diving Invitational.. Finished first on the 1m and 3m versus ASU. Wow!

2013

Jayden Pantel had his beginnings in Saskatoon being coached by Steve Carroll. Jayden, an Ivy League Academic, would go on to star at Columbia University.

2015

Sydney Hesselberg has done it all. From a top age-group diver, to college diver, to coach and manager, to being a mom.

2018

Jonah Cey was a very talented high school diver in Saskatoon, who received a scholarship to dive for the Penn State Nittany Lions. He is a great college diver.

2022

Rylan Wiens is as good as they come. Already he has established himself as an Olympic contender. He has a very bright future in international diving. Go Rylan