Q-and-A with Dan Taylor, Shepard diving

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Dan Taylor, Shepard diving. | Matt Marton~Sun-Times Media

Updated: February 24, 2012 8:08AM

Dan Taylor, of Shepard diving, is a four-year varsity diver and the defending South Suburban Red champ. He also is an outside hitter on the volleyball team.

How’d you get into diving?

I started as a swimmer freshman year. I didn’t like it at all. I took swimming in gym, and the last 10 minutes of class you get to jump off the board. My teacher thought I had a knack for it. I quit swimming and went out for diving the next day.

Best moment as a diver?

Winning conference last year. It was at Shepard, and it was a great meet with a lot of fans here. Hearing them cheer for me was really great.

What are your goals for the rest of the season?

I want to go undefeated, and so far I’m beating that. I would love to finish first at conference and sectional and finish relatively well at state. I also want to break the school record.

Pick one, diving or volleyball?

I love both. Volleyball is a great way to get your anger out. I can’t do that in diving, where you have to finesse everything. I started diving as a fat slob and was told I wouldn’t be a good diver. Here I am, a good diver.

What don’t people know about diving?

Probably how hard we train. The repetitions and smacks you go through to make a dive look pretty. It’s extremely painful. Diving is more mental than physical.

If you could do a reality show ...

“Wipeout.” It’s not really a reality show, but I think I could destroy it.

Ever watch the 1960s show “Diver Dan”?

I’ve been told by a lot of people who he is. My mom calls me “Diver Dan” during the diving season. I get a lot of that.

What will you remember about Shepard?

Staying active through sports and clubs and my teachers. They get you through high school.

Who’s your celebrity prom date

Emma Watson, Hermione from Harry Potter. She’s beautiful.

What are your favorite sports movie(s)?

“Remember the Titans,” “Invincible” and “Semi-Pro.”

What to you listen to on your iPod before a meet?

Nothing specific, but anything from “A Day to Remember” of Eminem

What’s your deserted island food?

Pizza. I can eat it any time, all the time. Any pizza.

Do you want to keep playing volleyball and diving in college?

I’d love to do both in college. I’ve gotten offers from a couple of places, but I haven’t made my decision yet.

As told to Tim O’Brien