If case you missed it, one of the greatest coaches in the U.S., if not the world had a birthday this month. Hobie Billingsley, a two-time U.S. Olympic Team coach, and the coach at Indiana University for 40 years, celebrated his 83rd birthday on December 2. Hobie's contribution to diving cannot be measured in mere words, his techniques and training methods are seen everyday at the pool. Happy Birthday Hobie!

• More About Hobie

Photo: Indiana University Athletics

Be thankful on this Thanksgiving Day that we, as members of the diving community, have the privilege to be a part of this exciting and challenging sport. That we have the opportunity to take part in an activity that can improve our mind and body through competition and physical fitness.

Finally, that we have the good fortune to participate in a sport and activity, that is not an option for many others who are less fortunate. Happy Thanksgiving!

The Texas A&M coaching carousel continues, as Jay Lerew has been hired to replace Kenny Armstrong, who was hired to replace Kevin Wright, who left the Aggie program in October. Armstrong had been hired on an interim basis until a full-time coach could be found.

Lerew comes to the Aggie Swimming and Diving program from Team Orlando where he was head coach for that successful program for the past 11 years.  He was also the head coach for the U.S. Olympic Diving Team in 2000.

• More on Lerew and Texas A&M Swimming and Diving

Many times the difference between 1st and 8th, or the difference between making prelims and finals, can be measured in tenths of a point. "If I had just done a better job of pointing my toes, or if I hadn't broken form on a reverse 1 1/2,"  - do those sentiments sound familiar?

Here are a few tips that might help every diver gain that 1/2 point and make finals, instead of heading for the nearest fast food restaurant and wondering, "What If?" 

• Ten Tips that Will Get You that Extra ½ Point Each Dive

Photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images