In the one-meter, Derevianko earned his second All-American award of his career with an eighth-place finish. Monahon and Culen were close behind, finishing 10th and 12th, respectively, and garnering All-American honorable mentions.

On the high board, Derevianko and Culen were at it again. Derevianko scored 461 points, breaking his own school record, placing fourth, and becoming an All-American for a third time. Culen took home 10th place in the event, earning him honorable mention status once again. Monahon struggled in the preliminary dives, but recovered to finish 20th.

This was Derevianko’s second consecutive trip to nationals, while it was the first time for the senior and freshman.

“It was nothing at all like I thought it was going to be,” said Monahon. “It was absolutely crazy. I didn’t really know what to expect, but it was a lot of fun.”

Culen added, “I just went in there looking to have fun.”

Derevianko drew on last year’s experience to help calm his nerves. “I wasn’t as intimidated as I was the first year because of the experience of being there before,” he commented.

The trio also enjoyed an advantage of sorts over their competition. RPI was the only school to send three divers to the national stage.

“It was really cool,” said Monahon of competing with his teammates at nationals. “It was a big deal to have three people there. It was huge.”

Derevianko, who made the trip last year by himself, was grateful to have some company this time around. “Last year, I had the experience of going by myself and it was fun, but it wasn’t anything like this. Just being able to share the experience with [Monahon and Culen] was great.” He added, “And just having other people there to joke around with really took the pressure off.”

All three Red Hawks were very pleased with their results.

“I think, just being a freshman and all, it was pretty good,” remarked Culen of his performances on the two boards. “I wasn’t expecting to go really huge or go All-American or anything. I was just there to have fun, try it out.”

For Monahon, he couldn’t have asked for a better swan song. “My goal for the whole season was to make nationals,” stated the senior. “But I didn’t think I was going to make top 16. When I came in 10th in the one-meter, I was really shocked and surprised.”

He reflected, “If you had told me two years ago after my first year on the team that as a senior I was going to go to nationals and be an All-American honorable mention, I would have probably laughed at you. I could not imagine ever being there, and then I did it. What a way to go out. I couldn’t ask for more.”

Derevianko came into the meet with his sight set on two All-American awards and did not come back disappointed. “This year, I said to myself that I wanted to get All-American on both boards,” the Wilmington, Del., native said. “And I made that goal, so I was happy.”

While Monahon now says good-bye to the Red Hawk program, Derevianko has one more year to chase a national title, and Culen will enjoy three more seasons of RPI diving.

“I’m looking to improve again,” said Derevianko. “If I can keep improving and keep gaining confidence, there’s a good chance I’ll be contending [for a national title next year].” He added, “I would really like to win one of the boards, so I’m going to set it as a goal, but it’s a lofty one.”

Culen has flourished in the RPI system so far. “I’ve never had the confidence and support that I have here,” the Pelham, N.Y., native said. “I’ve been improving a lot, and I still am.”

One person who is particularly confident in Culen’s ability is Derevianko. The current school record holder on both the one- and three-meter boards is convinced his scores won’t last for long.

“I know if I come back in two years after I’ve graduated, my name isn’t going to be on the record board anymore,” Derevianko said. “It’ll be [Culen’s] name.”