Division II district boys diving: University’s Burke Bebenroth reigns as champion; entire area contingent state-bound

CLEVELAND — University School junior Burke Bebenroth turned persistence into gold on Feb. 18, capturing the Division II Cleveland State District boys diving title with 393.55 points and punching his ticket to Canton as part of an historic area sweep that will send every local qualifier to next week’s state meet.

Bebenroth’s winning total, just 9.55 points shy of the 403.10 he posted a year ago, was built on two sparkling preliminary-round efforts: a meet-best 49.20 on a forward 2½ tuck in Round 2 and a 47.50 on a back 1½-1½ twist free in Round 5. A shaky 11th-round dive came after the title was effectively secured, but the championship was already in hand.

“I’m a little bit sick right now,” Bebenroth admitted afterward, voice raspy. “Just being able to come here and push through that … it’s really special.”

Special has become routine for Bebenroth, who is managing yet another serious injury—a refractured wrist suffered in a snowboarding mishap. He will undergo surgery two days after the state meet and competed Tuesday with a custom brace. “It was about a five (on the pain scale) every time I was going in,” he said. “I’ve been able to tolerate it.”

The victory continues a remarkable comeback arc that began in February 2024, when Bebenroth returned to the board only weeks after a snowboarding accident that ruptured his spleen and nearly cost him his life. Last season he placed second at districts and third at state; this year he’ll head to Canton as champion, joined by the entire University contingent.

Preppers teammates Grant Woolley (363.55), Danny Sullivan (350.80) and first-year diver Kyle Hess (340.80) finished third, fourth and fifth respectively, while Perry sophomore Traxton Richards secured the seventh and final qualifying spot with 275.50. The result marks the first time every News-Herald coverage-area boys diver at districts will advance to state.

Woolley, a state qualifier in 2025, improved 74 points over last year’s sixth-place district finish. Sullivan earned his third consecutive state berth after placing ninth in Canton last winter. Hess, a soccer convert, capped his debut diving season with a top-five finish. Richards, who also competes in football, basketball and track, improved 31.50 points on his 2025 district score.

“Being able to be there with all three of my closest friends,” Bebenroth said of the sweep, “it’s just really special.”

The Division II state diving meet is scheduled for next week at Cantons’ C.T. Branin Natatorium.