Columbus North Diver Punches Ticket to State

Junior Dagan Kleffman secures spot in IHSAA Boys Swimming and Diving State Finals

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Columbus North junior Dagan Kleffman delivered a personal-best performance at the Jasper Diving Regional, finishing fifth and securing his spot in the IHSAA Boys Swimming and Diving State Finals. Kleffman's score of 405.1 across 11 dives represented countless hours of hard work and discipline to refine his diving skills and compete under pressure. Senior teammate Gary Streeval also had a strong showing, posting a personal-best 320.05 and finishing just outside the final qualifying spot.

Why it matters

Qualifying for the state finals is a major accomplishment for high school divers, as it represents the culmination of years of dedication and training. Kleffman's achievement is a testament to his perseverance and growth as an athlete, after coming up just short of a state berth the previous year.

The details

Kleffman delivered a standout performance at the Jasper Diving Regional, scoring 405.1 points across 11 dives to finish fifth and secure his spot in the IHSAA Boys Swimming and Diving State Finals. This was a personal best for the Columbus North junior, who had fallen just short of a state berth the previous year. Kleffman's score reflected the countless hours he had spent honing his diving skills, refining his entries, and building the courage to add more difficulty to his dives. Meanwhile, Kleffman's senior teammate Gary Streeval also had a strong showing, posting a personal-best 320.05 and finishing ninth, just seven points shy of the final qualifying spot.

  • The Jasper Diving Regional took place on March 2, 2026.
  • The IHSAA Boys Swimming and Diving State Finals will be held on the following Friday and Saturday in Indianapolis.

The players

Dagan Kleffman

A junior diver at Columbus North High School who qualified for the IHSAA Boys Swimming and Diving State Finals with a personal-best performance at the Jasper Diving Regional.

Gary Streeval

A senior diver at Columbus North High School who posted a personal-best score at the Jasper Diving Regional, finishing just outside the final qualifying spot for the state finals.

Josh Pendleton

A sophomore swimmer at Columbus East High School who will represent the area by competing in the 200- and 500-yard freestyle events at the IHSAA Boys Swimming and Diving State Finals.

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What they’re saying

“Some journeys are built on inches. Last year, Dagan Kleffman came up just short of a state berth. That kind of near miss can either linger — or light a fire. This season, it fueled him.”

— Jeremy Giggy, Sports Director, White River Broadcasting (1010wcsi.com)

What’s next

The IHSAA Boys Swimming and Diving State Finals will be held on Friday, March 7, 2026 and Saturday, March 8, 2026 at the IU Natatorium in Indianapolis. Kleffman and Pendleton will compete in the diving and swimming events, respectively, with the goal of representing their schools and communities at the highest level of high school competition in Indiana.

The takeaway

Kleffman's achievement in qualifying for the state finals is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and perseverance. His story serves as an inspiration to other young athletes who may have faced setbacks but have the determination to push through and reach their goals. The success of Kleffman and his teammates also highlights the strength of the diving and swimming programs at Columbus North and Columbus East, which continue to produce talented student-athletes who excel at the highest levels of competition.