Dutton, Karsten compete at state dive meet
Owatonna diver Kate Karsten flips and spins herself around during a dive attempt at state last week. Karsten took 21st place in her state debut, ending her season one spot shy of qualifying for the state finals. Staff photo by Johnnie Phillips
Owatonna dive teammates Mya Dutton and Kate Karsten had the opportunity to compete together at the Class AA state meet last week with the former placing 30th and the latter 21st.
Dutton was able to make her third appearance at the state meet as a senior in 2024, rounding out her career at the big meet, while Karsten made her state debut this season as a sophomore.
“It’s been almost over 10 years since I’ve had two athletes at state. This meet is super cool, and we always go in just to have as much fun as we can. It’s the end of an era for Mya, and it comes with some sadness, but I’m super proud of her for continuing to work and striving to be better every time she’s here. For Kate, her goal was just to make it to the last cut in sections. This was more than she ever expected to be at, so it was amazing,” said Owatonna Dive Coach Kasey Anderson.
Dutton was the first of the two divers to hit the pool in all five rounds and compiled 142.95 points to take 30th place.
Karsten followed later on in each round and threw up 162.95 points to take 21st.
The sophomore’s performance was eye-opening for herself, her coaches and fans alike as the 21st-place finish was one spot away from qualifying for the finals.
“She had Mya leading the way and showing her the ropes on how to be here, but I think she just really knows what she’s doing. She’s confident and she understands that she just needs to relax and do what she can. We’re extremely proud of both of our divers,” said Anderson.