Senior diver Ryan Fagan enters his final Big Ten meet with high hopes and aspirations for himself and his teammates. As a senior leader, Fagan has had his share of success during his tenure at Indiana. Whether it be the season where he was the only competitive diver on the team, or eclipsing a 16-year-old IU diving standard this season, Fagan is ready for his final shot at Big Ten success.

As a senior member on the diving squad, Fagan is one of many who are looked upon as leaders for the team.

"I feel like I am more of a quiet leader. We have a very strong team and there are several leaders including co-captains Jesse Rappaport and Taylor Roberts," Fagan said. "I have enjoyed being one of the leaders, especially when I see the younger guys getting better each day. I feel like it has made me a better diver this year."

Indiana head diving coach Dr. Jeff Huber also has made Fagan's career at Indiana an enjoyable one. Fagan feels that Huber is the best diving coach in the country. Not only has Huber made members of the team better divers, Fagan feels that what he has learned from Huber will stay with him for the rest of his life, even when his diving days are over.

"Coach Huber does more than teach us dives, he helps us with the mental aspects of diving and helps us compete better," Fagan said. "He knows how to pump us up and makes training fun every day."

Another big accomplishment that Fagan is proud of is the fact that the entire team qualified for the NCAA Zone Diving Championships that will take place in March. The top divers at this meet will move on the NCAA Championships. Fagan feels that having everyone at the zone meet helps, and it is an important first step to making the NCAAs.

With that accomplishment already in hand, Fagan and his teammates have shifted their mindset to this weekend's Big Ten Championships. Fagan loves the feeling of stepping onto the platform at a meet like the Big Tens, and hopes to perform his best this weekend.

"It is a great feeling when you are up there and you are confident in the dive you are doing. It feels like you are on top of the world, and everyone is watching," Fagan said. "I want to do the best dives I can on each level. If I do my best and compete, the placing will take care of itself."