LEWISBURG -- Roman Stefanelli didn’t mean to sound smug. Still, the McDowell diving coach felt three of this season’s District 10 titlists should offer thanks to the fourth for part of their success.

Stefanelli’s commented on Kaitlyn Karl moments after Trojans senior was eliminated from Wednesday’s PIAA Class AAA girls division 1-meter diving competition. Karl, a two-time District 10 champion, struck her right ankle on the board during a backwards somersault attempt.

Karl completed her final dive in the semis, but bowed out in 18th place. She finished sixth in the 2007 AAA event.

McDowell teammate Robert Freeling will get his chance at state glory Thursday afternoon. Harbor Creek’s Brittany DiSanti will dive Friday in the AA girls competition and newcomer Mac Lewis of North East is one of 24 entries for the AA boys.

“Robert, Brittany and Mac all learned by watching Kaitlyn,” Stefanelli said. “She’s meant a lot to us and she’s helped teach a lot of younger divers too.”

-- Mike Copper