DIVING

While the world’s attention is about to focus on the Winter Olympics when they start next week, one woman who competes in a Summer Olympics sport is rightfully basking in history.

U-M graduate assistant diving coach Michael Hixon won the silver medal with diving partner Andrew Capobianco on Wednesday.

See which current and former U-M swimmers made the U.S. Olympic Team.

When you think of the Summer Olympics, do you think of swimming? Gymnastics? Basketball? Track and field?

ANN ARBOR – A coalition of student athletes at the University of Michigan are calling for the 14 day shutdown of athletics to be lifted. Now, student athletes are speaking out and have launched a petition to MDHHS to resume practices and competitions. We trust the guidance and leadership of those in charge of the health and safety of Michigan student-athletes. Given the University’s knowledge of the situation surrounding the athletic department, should a total shutdown have been necessary, it should have come from the University of Michigan leaders. The student-athletes at the University of Michigan stand united in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping every member of our community safe.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) announced on Tuesday that it will suspend practices for football, volleyball and girls swimming and diving immediately after receiving requirements for the state’s pilot rapid testing program. “The MHSAA also is working to update dates of competition to better reflect the testing schedule. The MDHHS will conduct webinars on Dec. 28 and 29 to train school personnel who will be involved in the testing process. Team practices could resume as early as Dec. 30 once the first tests have been administered. If schools are delayed in the start of testing, they may begin practice once individuals have had one negative test.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) has suspended its fall tournaments in response to a new public health order issued by state health officials on Sunday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued the restrictions Sunday evening, and Michigan Gov. “We understand the need for action, and we will explore all options to complete our Fall tournaments when restrictions are lifted," reads a statement from Uyl. However, now all high schools in the state of Michigan cannot offer in-person classes under the order. At an event with 100 people, risk levels in pretty much every Michigan county surpasses 80%, including some at 99%, like Kent and Calhoun counties.

ANN ARBOR – Superintendent of Ann Arbor Public Schools, Jeanice Kerr Swift, announced on Thursday that the winter sports season will be delayed until January due to concerns over COVID-19. “Participation in indoor practices and competitions during a public health pandemic comes with a risk to the health and safety of those involved.”The announcement comes two weeks after Swift urged the Michigan High School Athletic Association in a public letter to postpone the winter sports season. Since Swift’s original letter on Oct. 30, new county and statewide cases have skyrocketed, breaking numerous one-day infection records. “Don’t wait for a call from the Health Department,” Jimena Loveluck, health officer for Washtenaw County Health Department, said in a statement. Schools across Metro Detroit have begun to shift from in-person to remote learning due to the surge in new COVID-19 cases.

Junior Samantha Plough started swimming four years ago when she was in the seventh grade. Samantha Plough with a medal. The hard work will pay off, just keep working hard Samantha PloughSamantha Plough diving. Aside from being a part of Trenton’s swimming/diving team, Samantha is involved with the instrumental program as well as plays on Trenton’s softball team. Samantha Plough diving shot (WDIV)Congratulations to Samantha for winning a 4Frenzy Fan Choice Award!

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University is dropping swimming and diving teams for men and women after the 2020-21 season, officials said Thursday. “MSU athletics is facing a financial crisis unlike any we’ve ever seen in college athletics,” athletic director Bill Beekman and President Samuel Stanley Jr. said, citing the impact of COVID-19. Our worst-case scenario would more than double that number.”No one will lose a scholarship if they remain as students, the university said. Dropping the teams will improve the athletic department's long-term finances, MSU said. Unfortunately, this all led us to our inevitable decision,” Beekman and Stanley said.