CRANBERRY TWP — Being ranked first in the state may add to a high school diver's resume, but there's a flip side to such a stature.

North Catholic's Kyle Maziarz and Maggie Foley can attest.

The senior and freshman, respectively, have the top score entering the PIAA Class 2A boys and girls championship meets, scheduled this week at Bucknell University.

Maziarz, a Cranberry Township resident, is the two-time defending state champion. His district-record score of 558.05 at last month's WPIAL meet is 45.90 points better than second-ranked Giovanni Masters, a senior from Hickory.

Entering the state meet each of the last two years, Maziarz was a darkhorse. He was seeded sixth as a sophomore and fourth last year.

“I'd rather be seeded third than first,” Maziarz admitted. “Being first is messing with my head a bit. People see that “one” next to my name and they just expect me to win, without a doubt.

“I've let the expectations of other people affect me negatively in the past.”

Maziarz began diving in high school after being urged to by North Catholic's coaches.

“My freshman year, I was a swimmer. We had no divers and my coaches asked if I wanted to try it,” he said. “I told them no. I said I just wanted to stick with swimming.

“The next year, they asked me again. I dove for one year when I was in the third grade and decided to give it a shot.”

That shot has turned into an incredible scholastic career, with one meet remaining.

“Worrying about my score, that was more entering the WPIAL meet,” said Maziarz. “I just don't want to mess up a dive and go out that way. I'm competing with myself at this point, just focusing on me. I've found that I do better that way.”

At 6-foot-5, Maziarz is taller than most of his competition. It forces him to pay extra attention on certain dives, like his inward 2½ somersault.

“I feel like I have to rush everything, but the key is to stay patient,” he said. “Get to the top of my jump, then start my dive.”

Foley has tried to keep a level head since winning the WPIAL Feb. 21.

“There's practices that are really fun,” she said. “Others, I don't do too well and I get down on myself. But I think it's the same for everybody.

“It gives me confidence to know that I'm seeded first in the state, but I feel a lot of pressure. It's a lot to take on.”

Foley's score of 440.45 has her ahead of No. 2, Harbor Creek sophomore Raegan Rand, who won the District 10 crown with an effort of 434.45.

Maziarz and Foley both train at the University of Pittsburgh. Along with his two state titles, Maziarz has won two WPIAL championships. Having such an accomplished diver right there during practices is invaluable to Foley.

“I try not to ask him too many questions. I just follow his lead,” Foley said. “He tells me not to worry, just compete how I practice.”

“Maggie has a gymnastics background and that's contributed to what she's already achieved,” said Maziarz. “We're all super-proud of her and she should be proud of herself.”

The Class 2A boys diving meet is scheduled Friday and the girls will compete Saturday.