George Hansen, senior swimmer and diver, qualified for the state dive meet in KHS’ first meet against Mehlville, Wednesday, Aug. 27.

“I worked over the summer, just to keep my feet under me and stay in the feel for things,” Hansen said. “I worked on mostly my doubles but also my approach.”

A two-year member of the varsity boys’ swim and dive team, Hansen is a leader younger members can model after, said Matt Beasley, varsity boys’ swim coach.

“As a senior, he brings leadership and a positive attitude that the younger athletes can look up to,” Beasley said. “He’s definitely a valuable part of the program.”

In addition to being one of two divers on the team, Hansen also plays a vital part in the four-man relays. He swims in the free relays that, in the past, have qualified for state.

“He’s a dual-threat,” Beasley said. “He’s a state qualifying diver and will most likely be swimming in some relays at state for us.”

Hansen is hopeful that by both swimming and diving he can contribute to what could potentially be a state title in swimming as well as an individual state championship in diving.

“We’re getting really close to qualifying for state in the 200-free relay,” Hansen said. “It would be pretty cool if we went to state,” Hansen said. “It would be big for the program.”