Ben Davis senior Randy Balbuena scored 369 points and finished sixth at the Plainfield diving regional Tuesday night. His performance earns him a spot in the state diving finals this weekend at the IU Natatorium.
Balbuena is the first Ben Davis male swimmer or diver to make the state finals since 2013, when Cole Crouch finished 17th in the 50 free in the state meet.
“It feels surreal and exciting to go to state,” Balbuena said. “My goal at state is to just have fun.”
This is Balbuena’s second year in competitive diving.
“My improvements have made me feel accomplished and helps me know that hard work pays off,” Balbuena said.
Balbuena says he looks up to club teammate Simone Hall for inspiration. Hall dives for Park Tudor and finished as state runnerup in the girls state finals two weeks ago.
Balbuena will dive this Saturday starting at 9 a.m. All diving will take place on Saturday with the top 20 of 32 competitors advancing from the prelims to the semis after five dives each. After three dives each in the semis, the top 16 will advance to the final round for another three dives each.
Balbuena is ranked 16th according to regional points and will be the 24th diver to dive Saturday morning starting at 9 a.m. Finals begin at 1 p.m.
“My friends, family and staff are extremely supportive,” he said. “They are proud of me and encourage me to dive my best.”

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