Watson Wins National Championship Title

COLLEGE STATION -- Brandon Watson was named national champion Tuesday after his outstanding performance in the 1-meter diving competition at the AT&T National Diving Championships. The Champs are held Aug. 11th through the 15th.

This is Watson’s first national title and first time at the USA Diving nationals since 2007.

“Well I felt really blessed to have been able to dive so well. I wasn't expecting to win because normally it's not my strongest event,” said Watson, a junior from Riverton, Utah. “I felt great diving and I felt like just being consistent with my dives is what helped me to do well. I am very excited and happy to be able to be where I am.”

Watson pushed his way up from third place and sealed the win in the last of six rounds with his final dive consisting of a reverse 1 with 2 twists and a score of 69 points.

The second place finisher was Landon Marzullo of Worthington, Ohio/Tallahassee, Fla. He received a score of 387.60. Matt Cooper of Bethesda, Md./Austin, Texas took third with a final score of 383.70.

“Watson did a great job just being consistent with his dives, “ said BYU head diving coach Keith Russell. “He’s done excellent so far and we are just so excited for him to have this win and we know he’ll continue to do well this weekend.”

Watson has recently qualified for finals in the men’s 3-meter with a total score of 400.70.

For more information on results of the National Diving Champs visit www.usadiving.org.