A couple years ago Greyson LaHousse was in the middle of an uphill battle to make the Clarkston High School diving team. Today he is a school record holder and looks to continue diving in college.
‘As a sophomore trying out for the team I was not good at all,? LaHousse frankly states. ‘The coach would have to literally throw me off the diving board so I could do a somersault.?
LaHousse’s first experience at the high school pool was his freshman year when he was on the swim team. LaHousse was encouraged to participate by his father but in Greyson’s words, ‘I hated it.?
When he came back for his sophomore year, LaHousse decided to give diving a try. The hard work began as LaHousse made diving a year round project.
‘I came in everyday and listened to coach and did exactly what he said. I almost did not make the team but I have improved a lot since then,? LaHousse said.
LaHousse also credits his brother Derek for his improvement. Derek was a year ahead of Greyson and was also on the dive team.
‘He would wake me up and make sure I practiced. Derek was always helping me improve. My goal was to be right up there (on the record board) with him,? LaHousse said.
LaHousse got part of the equation right when he set a school six dive record in his junior year and his name replaced his brother’s on the wall.
While a school record would have been crazy talk a few years ago, LaHousse definitely earned it. LaHousse, along with teammate Bobby Johnson, has taken only four weeks off from diving over the last 2 1/2 years.
‘This kid eats, drinks, sleeps and dreams diving,? mother Beth Sulek-LaHousse said.
LaHousse was named one of the captains for the swimming/diving team this season and is having a solid senior year. Most recently, the diver took eighth place in the Oakland County Meet.
‘There was some tough competition,? LaHousse said. ‘I really wanted to do well in that meet.?
LaHousse is now turning his attention to the state meet and is hoping a good showing will help him continue his diving career. LaHousse has already been accepted to Michigan State, University of Michigan and Indiana University.
‘They all have really good dive teams and I want to dive in college but I will have to see if I am good enough,? LaHousse said. ‘I need to do well in states to have something to tell the college coaches.?
In addition to attending CHS, LaHousse goes to OSMTech. He carries an ‘A? average at both schools.