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Senior Jennifer Easton and sophomore Nick Johnson clinched three first-place finishes for the St. Thomas diving team Friday at the St. Thomas Diving Invitational.

Easton placed first in both events, scoring 451.80 in the women’s 1-meter and 415.45 in the 3-meter diving competition. Despite her success, she said that she was not completely satisfied with her performance.

“One-meter was one of my better meets, but 3-meter isn’t one of my better meets this time,” Easton said.

Johnson placed first in the men’s 3-meter scoring a 483.35, but he placed third in the 1-meter. He said that his 1-meter performance was “not the greatest but not the worst.”

“Nick was not up to par on his 1-meter, but he did score his best ever on the 3-meter,” diving coach Mark Dusbabek said.

Only three St. Thomas divers competed Friday alongside Saint Mary’s University, Hamline University, Gustavus Adolphus College, the College of Saint Benedict, St. John’s University and Carleton College.

Freshman Katherine Becker, the third St. Thomas competitor, finished seventh in both events.

“She’s the future after Jennifer’s gone, (and) she’s showing a great deal of promise,” Dusbabek said.

Several divers were not able to compete because of injury or other health-related problems.

The team lost sophomores Jake McEwing to a blown-out ear drum and Gus Jones to a back and knee injury. Junior Jeff Isaacson is also currently not competing.

However, Dusbabek said that Jones will be competing in both events at the MIAC Championships next Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

“He is not going to train at all until the day of. Hopefully he can put it together on those days,” Dusbabek said. “He’s a strong competitor. He pushes through the pain and should produce for our team.”

Dusbabek said he’s optimistic about the MIAC Championships and thinks the Tommies will “have a really strong showing.”

Johnson, who has made significant improvements since last year, also feels confident.

“I started out (this year) better than the end of last year. It’s been a great season,” Johnson said.

Dusbabek said that Easton is also “eager and hungry.”

“Jennifer is kind of right where I want her… she wants to sweep both boards. She is sitting in a good place for that,” Dusbabek said.

Easton said that she is looking forward to the meet but has mixed feelings because it will be her last conference event.

“It is kind of bittersweet to be going into the last meets… but I’m excited to keep improving and diving,” Easton said.

Dusbabek said he is happy with the team’s success so far.

“These kids – they really shine,” Dusbabek said.

Rita Kovtun can be reached at kovt1547@stthomas.edu.