Boys Swimming: Jordan Sacks diving into New Trier history books

Updated: December 12, 2011 7:11PM

An elbow injury in gymnastics ended up feeling pretty good for Jordan Sacks.

Once upon a time, the New Trier senior spent his time on the mats. When he realized he couldn’t continue there, he took some advice.

Michael Ross, a former gymnast himself, encouraged Sacks to give diving a try. Sacks agreed, and he hopes to add his name to the history books this season.

“He recruited me,” Sacks said of Ross, who went on to dive for the Trevians. “He also used to be a gymnast.”

By the time Sacks got to New Trier, Ross was a senior. The two finished in the top 10 at State that season, with Ross winning the championship. The Trevians also took the team title that year. Ross now dives for the University of Wisconsin.

Sacks, who finished 10th as a freshman, placed ninth as a sophomore and fourth last season, when the Trevians earned another overall title.

Sacks, a University of Virginia recruit, is setting his sights on a State title himself — as well as a third championship for his Trevians.

“That’s definitely one of my goals,” he said. “It would be really awesome to come home with that. I just have to focus on doing every dive well. I have to focus on consistency.”

Ross wasn’t the only person who helped Sacks along the way. Sacks also gives credit to Gary Ramirez, who coached him when he first started the sport at the Oakton Diving Club.

Recently, Sacks joined the Northwestern-based Chicago Dive Club, but he still remains friendly with Ramirez.

“He really made me the diver I am today,” Sacks said.

One aspect Sacks liked a lot about diving is how the coaches challenged him. He said gymnastics was more of a self-motivating sport.

“It was fun to see how far I could go,” he said. “I wanted to be pushed to see if I could become like (Ross).”

Sacks said he struggled this offseason, but he’s happy with where he stands at this early stage in the season. State won’t be held until late February.

Last week, Sacks won finished first against both Naperville Central and Hinsdale Central. He scored 269.55 points against Naperville Central as the Trevians won 123-63. He totaled 270.80 to help New Trier top Hinsdale Central 134-49 on Saturday.

“It’s been nice going into practice and working on hitting the dives,” he said. “I am now seeing all the work I’ve put in pay off.”

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