Records broken as top divers meet
The first dual meet of the season on December 9 proved to be more than just another matchup for Churchville-Chili’s swimmers and divers—it became an unforgettable moment in school athletic history. The pool deck was filled with faces from past and present, as former standouts and rising stars gathered to witness a convergence few programs ever experience: four of the top five divers in school history standing together in the same room, one a legend who set the standard the current divers now chase.
The Saints’ current diving squad has already established itself as the strongest the school has ever seen. Each member now ranks among the top five scorers in program history, a testament to both individual excellence and the team’s growing strength.
The night’s opponent, Greece Storm, added another layer of significance. Their diving coach is Jake Calus—a two-time All-American and Churchville-Chili record holder whose name has long stood atop the school’s record board. What was expected to be a light-hearted photo opportunity between generations quickly transformed into something far more impactful.
In a remarkable twist, by the end of the competition, the top two scorers in district history had swapped positions—while both were present in the facility. Senior Kyler Thomas delivered the performance of a lifetime, surpassing Calus’s long-standing, and astronomically high 6-dive record by more than 15 points. Thomas closed the night with a score of 358.60, setting new school and pool records.
Freshman Jordan Leastman added to the excitement by securing second place with a score of 308.60, while senior Isaac Bailey earned third with 259.45. Both divers achieved personal records, underscoring the depth and momentum of the program.
All three athletes currently rank first, second, and fourth in Section V, with Leastman and Thomas being the only divers whose season totals exceed 275 points.
Adding even more meaning to the evening was the fact that all four of these athletes—Calus, Thomas, Leastman, and Bailey—are or were coached by longtime Churchville-Chili Diving Coach Ricky Krebs. His leadership and commitment to developing divers over the years have played a foundational role in shaping the program into the powerhouse it is today. The gathering wasn’t just a meeting of great athletes; it was a testament to a coaching legacy still very much in motion.
For Churchville-Chili, this wasn’t just a meet—it was a living snapshot of a program’s past, present, and future crossing paths in a way that felt almost scripted. Historic performances, record-breaking talent, and a reunion of champions set the tone for what could be a landmark season.
If this first meet is any indication, the Saints Diving Team isn’t just rewriting the record book—they’re redefining it.
Provided information and photos
Pictured poolside are (l-r) senior Isaac Bailey, freshman Jordan Leastman, senior Kyler Thomas, 2021 Churchville-Chili graduate and Greece Storm Diving Coach Jake Calus, and Churchville-Chili Coach Ricky Krebs.
