On Tuesday, December 17, Northampton Diver Alex Szeplaki broke a long-standing school record for the highest point total in the 6-dive event with a total score of 247.45.

The previous school record for the highest point total in the 6-dive event stood at 231.66 and was set in 2008 by none other than Szeplaki’s current coach and former Northampton High School diver, Todd Lerch.

It was during his junior year, in 2008, at Northampton High School when Lerch posted his record-setting diving event score.

“It was just a really good day,” said Lerch, “and it all came together.”

This day in 2008 was the second time that Lerch would set a new school record during that season.

“That’s exactly what happened tonight for Alex,” Lerch explained. “It was a really good day, and he just put it all together.”

Tuesday’s notable performance came during a competition-less meet for the Northampton diving squad, as opponent Pocono Mountain West did not have divers entered in the diving event. But the Northampton team, still competing for points with their teammates, kept their competitive edge and made it a night to remember.

One might wonder if this new record was bittersweet for Lerch until he started talking about the performance.

“I couldn’t be happier for him”, Lerch explained, with evident pride for Szeplaki. “That’s exactly what a coach wants, to see their team really succeed.”

Lerch went on to comment about Szeplaki’s dives, stating it was his focus on clean, tight, disciplined dives that really made a difference.

Szeplaki started diving just three years ago, during his sophomore year, when a former diving teammate suggested he give the sport a try. It took some hard work and the ability to push himself to be uncomfortable, but Szeplaki quickly took to the sport. Lerch commented that it was apparent that Szeplaki had natural ability and quickly began earning valuable points for the team in the diving events.

Szeplaki will now join the Northampton swimming and diving elite, as his new school record is proudly displayed on the Northampton Middle School Natatorium record board. Both Alex and his brother, Andy Szeplaki, have been closing in on Lerch’s record all season, and Tuesday night’s mix of high complexity and perfectly executed dives was just the right combination to ensure a new record was achieved.

When asked if he had any comments for Szeplaki about this memorable performance, Lerch just smiled and challenged, “Break it again. You did it once, you can do it again.”

Will this season see even more record-setting performances? Only time will tell, but one thing is sure: the Northampton diving program this season has what it takes to make history.