Hall of Fame Diving Academy

Zach Schering’s diving career began at what would become the Hall of Fame Diving Academy, where he developed the technical foundation and work ethic that have carried him from Stark County standout to one of Clarion University’s most accomplished divers.

A graduate of Jackson High School, Zach was a four-time Ohio state qualifier, a first-team all-county and all-district selection, and a fourth-place finisher at the state meet. During his junior and senior seasons, he consistently ranked among the area’s top divers and set Jackson High School records for both six- and eleven-dive competition.

At Clarion University, Zach has built an exceptional collegiate career on the 1-meter and 3-meter boards. He is a five-time NCAA Division II All-American—three times on 3-meter and twice on 1-meter—and has qualified for the NCAA Championships multiple times. As a freshman, he earned his first All-America honor with a seventh-place finish on 3-meter. As a sophomore, he placed fourth nationally on 3-meter with a score of 521.55 and sixth nationally on 1-meter with a score of 505.05.

In 2024, Zach delivered one of the strongest NCAA Championship performances in Clarion diving history, earning second place on 1-meter with a score of 521.00 and fifth place on 3-meter to add two more All-America honors. He also won the six-dive final at the Zippy Invitational with a score of 301.85.

After redshirting during the 2024–25 season, Zach returned for the 2025–26 season while completing his undergraduate degree in Business Management and beginning Clarion’s accelerated MBA program. He opened his return season by winning both 11-dive events at the Don Leas Diving Invitational, setting pool records in the 1-meter 11-dive list (537.85), 3-meter six-dive list (350.35), and 3-meter 11-dive list (544.60).

Known for his strength in twisting and somersaulting dives, Zach has been recognized not only for his competitive success but also for his leadership, commitment to training, and positive influence on Clarion’s team culture. He continues to represent the values of hard work, discipline, and excellence instilled early in his career at the Hall of Fame Diving Academy.

Levi Hellmann is a West Virginia University diver whose career reflects a steady rise from standout Ohio high school athlete to NCAA Championship qualifier. A Jackson High School graduate, Levi began diving in eighth grade at the Hall of Fame Diving Academy. During his four years with the Jackson dive team, he earned four varsity letters, became a two-time Division I Ohio State qualifier, finished fifth in the 1-meter event as a senior, and set the Jackson High School 11-dive record with a score of 520.30.

Beyond high school, Levi competed as a member of the AAU National Team at the senior level and qualified for the 2023 World Cup event in Berlin, Germany. He continued his academic and diving career at West Virginia University, where he quickly established himself as a versatile competitor on 1-meter, 3-meter, and platform.

As a freshman in 2024–25, Levi qualified for the NCAA Zone A Diving Championships in all three events. He set a WVU program record of 336.80 while placing third in the men’s team diving event at the 2025 Big 12 Swimming and Diving Championships. He also placed second in the platform B final at the Big 12 Championships, won 3-meter against Villanova, placed second on 1-meter against Villanova, finished second on platform at the WVU Invitational, and helped WVU win the team diving event. His freshman season also included a 3-meter victory at the WV State Games, where he placed second on 1-meter. Levi was named to the 2024–25 Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team.

In his sophomore season, 2025–26, Levi became an NCAA Championship qualifier on 3-meter and platform. He placed 42nd on platform and 48th on 3-meter at the NCAA Championships after qualifying for NCAA Zone A in 1-meter, 3-meter, and platform. At the Zone A Championships, he finished fourth on platform.

Levi earned First Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025–26. At the Big 12 Championships, he captured his first career conference medal by placing fourth on 3-meter with a score of 367.90. He also won the platform B final with a 327.45 and placed third in the 1-meter B final with a 305.60. During the regular season, he won platform against Penn State, won 3-meter against Villanova, won 1-meter against George Washington, and claimed multiple individual victories at the WVU Invitational and against Loyola (Md.).

Levi continues to represent the determination, technical skill, and competitive spirit developed through the Hall of Fame Diving Academy, Jackson High School, AAU competition, and West Virginia University.

Emmalie Mitzel, a Senior at Jackson High School, embarked on her diving journey at the Hall of Fame Diving Academy in 8th grade. Throughout her four years at Jackson, Emmalie has been a dedicated member of the Dive Team, earning four consecutive letters. Her junior year saw her qualify for the State Meet, where she impressively finished 18th. Notably, Emmalie earned recognition as part of the first team All Federal League, All County, and All Ohio during the previous season. In addition to her achievements in diving, Emmalie demonstrates remarkable versatility as a member of Jackson High School's Gymnastics Team and as a pole vaulter for the Track Team. Beyond athletics, Emmalie shines academically, maintaining a stellar 5.0 GPA while tackling CCP and AP courses. Her academic excellence has earned her membership in the National Honor Society, Chinese National Honor Society, Math National Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society. Looking ahead, Emmalie plans to pursue her passion for Biomedical Engineering at college following her graduation. Her dedication to both her athletic pursuits and academic endeavors serves as a testament to her commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life. Emmalie Mitzel, a Senior at Jackson High School, embarked on her diving journey at the Hall of Fame Diving Academy in 8th grade. Throughout her four years at Jackson, Emmalie has been a dedicated member of the Dive Team, earning four consecutive letters. Her junior year saw her qualify for the State Meet, where she impressively finished 18th. Notably, Emmalie earned recognition as part of the first team All Federal League, All County, and All Ohio during the previous season. In addition to her achievements in diving, Emmalie demonstrates remarkable versatility as a member of Jackson High School's Gymnastics Team and as a pole vaulter for the Track Team. Beyond athletics, Emmalie shines academically, maintaining a stellar 5.0 GPA while tackling CCP and AP courses. Her academic excellence has earned her membership in the National Honor Society, Chinese National Honor Society, Math National Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society. Looking ahead, Emmalie plans to pursue her passion for Biomedical Engineering at college following her graduation. Her dedication to both her athletic pursuits and academic endeavors serves as a testament to her commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life. 

Jeremy Mitchell’s diving journey is a story of perseverance, grit, and remarkable growth. He began diving over Christmas break of his freshman year at McKinley High School, later than most competitors at the state level, but immediately showed the determination and work ethic to develop quickly.

After making strong progress as a sophomore, Jeremy faced a serious knee injury that kept him out of the sport for nine months. Rather than stepping away, he dedicated himself to recovery and returned to the board with greater confidence and resolve. As a junior, he earned his way back to the district podium and qualified for the Ohio State Championships.

Jeremy’s senior season was historic. He broke a 54 year old McKinley High School diving record, finished second at districts, placed seventh at the Ohio State Championships, earned All American recognition, and qualified for AAU Nationals. His success is especially impressive because he began diving in high school, competing against athletes who often had years of club diving or gymnastics experience.

Jeremy has signed to continue his academic and athletic career at Youngstown State University, where he will join the Penguins’ diving program. He will be coached by Ron Kontura, YSU’s Head Diving Coach and Director of Operations, who arrived at Youngstown State in 2026 after six seasons coaching at Kenyon College and brings more than 30 years of collegiate coaching and athletic administration experience.ysusports+1

Coach Sherrie Kimble, a Youngstown State diving alumna and Jeremy’s coach throughout his high school development, is especially proud to see him continue at YSU. The Hall of Fame Diving Academy is proud to celebrate Jeremy’s accomplishments and looks forward to following his continued success as a Penguin.