Lincoln College Diver and Coaches Pick Up Awards

[March 30, 2018] 

The Lincoln College Swimming & Diving team’s season came to an end recently with a strong showing at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Swimming and Diving Championship meet held in Fort Pierce, Florida. At the conclusion of the meet, one LC diver and two members of the team’s coaching staff were honored with post-season awards. LC freshman Logan Santiago was named NJCAA Co-Diver of the year, diving Coach Amber Jordan received the NJCAA Diving Coach of the Year award, and Head Coach Johnathan Jordan was recipient of the Dr. Jack Cistriano Service Award.

Freshman Logan Santiago had been a standout performer for the Lynx all season, and he did not disappoint at the National meet. The native of Lambertville, Michigan overcame wet and rainy conditions at the outdoor NJCAA finals venue to take first place in the 1 meter diving competition and third in the 3 meter event.

Santiago credits his preparation leading up to Nationals for his success. “I have been working all year on my technique, so knowing I had put in the time helped me stay focused,” he said.

Head Coach Johnathan Jordan was impressed with what Santiago was able to accomplish in less than ideal weather conditions. “Logan really stepped up and dove well in his first outdoor competition of the year,” said Coach Jordan. “It was tough for a lot of divers to block out the rain and wind, but Logan was able to do it and had a great meet.”

LC Coach Johnathan Jordan, Logan Santiago, Coach Amber Jordan

Santiago, a Sports Management major, comes to Lincoln by way of Bedford High School in Michigan. During his senior year at Bedford, he caught the attention of LC Dive Coach Amber Jordan after becoming the first diver from his high school to qualify for the Michigan State High School Finals. Since his arrival at LC, he has excelled at both the 1 meter and 3 meter events despite this being his first experience diving for a school that had a 3 meter board.

Lincoln College Diving Coach Amber Jordan says she was “surprised and honored” to be named the NJCAA National Diving Coach of the Year. Jordan, who is in her 8th year of coaching college diving, saw all four Lincoln College divers at the National meet finish in the top four in both the 1 Meter and 3 Meter competitions. Her divers were the top performing diving team at the event.

Head Coach Johnathan Jordan was recognized by his peers for his years of service to the NJCAA Swim Coaching Association with an award named after swim coaching legend Dr. Jack Cistriano. Jordan has held a number of leadership positions with the organization over his career including seven years as Database Coordinator, one year as Secretary, one year as President, and five years as Vice-President. He was the 2013 recipient of the same award, but this figures to be his last as Lincoln College is set to leave the NJCAA next fall to begin competition at the varsity level as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

[Mark Tippett
Lincoln College
Sports Information]