Sophomore Jonathan Wilcox (Bellevue, Wash.) recorded a score of 395.45 in the 3M dive on Saturday at the Southeastern Conference Diving Championships, claiming his second conference runner-up finish in as many days. On Friday, Wilcox placed second on the 1M board with a total of 357.50.

“Jonathan is diving well, and he’s diving relaxed,” Florida diving coach Donnie Craine said. “I can see him having fun out there. He’s finally starting to believe that he actually belongs here.”

The All-SEC distinction that accompanies a second-place finish is the fourth career honor for Wilcox, as well as his second of the meet. Like his score on Friday, his tally of 395.45 was a collegiate postseason high. His best dive of the night came in the fourth round, when he averaged scores of 7.5 on a reverse three-and-a-half somersault from the tuck position, which carries a 3.5 degree of difficulty.

Wilcox posted a score of 350.00, with his high score again coming on the reverse three-and-a-half, in the prelims to qualify third for finals. Auburn’s Steven Segerlin won his second SEC crown of the meet with a final-round score of 427.80.

Florida senior Justin Schmidt (Falcon, Colo.) also scored points for the Gators on Saturday, diving to a 14th-place finish on the 3M board. His most productive dive of the day was a forward two-and-a-half somersault with a twist, which drew him a score of 55.50 in the sixth round.

“Justin scored some points for us today, and he did decent job,” Craine said. “After having shoulder surgery last summer, it’s amazing what he’s able to do right now. Both guys are really doing a great job.”

In women’s diving action, freshman Jennifer Funch (Cincinnati, Ohio) picked up a point for UF with a 16th-place showing in the 1M dive, turning in a score of 224.70. Sophomore Whitney Stern (Safety Harbor, Fla.) also competed on Saturday, finishing 20th with a score of 214.40.

“The women have scored as many points on springboard this year as they did last year,” Craine said. “They’re right on the edge of making finals, just a few things here and there kept them out. We’re looking forward to seeing how they do on platform tomorrow, and I’m expecting to see some good things.”

Live scoring for the SEC Diving Championships will be available at www.ukathletics.com. Competition is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. EST. See the following schedule for more details (all times EST).

Sunday, Feb. 4

11-Noon                  Women’s Platform Prelims

1-2 p.m.                 Men’s Platform Prelims

2:30-3 p.m.             Women’s Platform Finals

3:30-4 p.m.             Men’s Platform Finals

- UF -