By Staff Writer John Conway

Early last week, “The North Star” caught up with varsity diver and junior Tom Petersen. The diving team has both talent and potential to make this the most successful season yet, according to Petersen. He hopes to make state again this year, alongside a number of his teammates.

Q: What is the best thing about your sport?

A: The best thing about the sport is that you get to have fun, and you can do whatever you want. It’s a good team, and it’s a big team so you meet a lot of friends.

Q: What is the worst thing about your sport?

A: The worst thing would probably be the morning practices because you have to get up early and work out. But in the long run it helps out.

Q: How far do you want to go with your sport?

A: Right now, I do club outside of school. I’m also planning on competing in college.

Q: What is the most important contribution you have made to your team?

A: So I help out with the freshmen, I help them train and get better with how they see the sport and compete.

Q: How have you evolved as an athlete over the years?

A: Over the years, I’ve evolved pretty well. I’ve gotten a lot better since freshman year, just a lot of working out and practicing.

Q: What coaches and/or mentors have inspired you as an athlete over the years?

A: Coach Steve Mazzarella has been the main coach to me. He’s helped me out a lot, and he’s a great mentor and a great leader.