Wild West Water Show hits Hillenbrand Aquatic Center tomorrow


By Allison Hamila
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Friday, October 15, 2004

There will be craziness in the air tomorrow at Hillenbrand Aquatic Center. Literally.

This year's Arizona Swimming and Diving team will be hosting it's annual Wild West Water Show, now in its 8th year.

The event, beginning at 11:30 a.m. and free to the public, is meant to entertain younger fans, but promises a good time for all who attend, said UA dive head coach Michelle Mitchell Rocha.

Year after year the event draws in many looking to get a glimpse of the Arizona Swim and Dive Team.

In fact, the show is so popular, nearly one thousand people attend each year.

"You can expect a wild and crazy show," Mitchell Rocha said.

Mitchell Rocha said the stunts get more daring each year and that this year is no exception.

This year fans can expect some full throttle entertainment, including synchronized diving, clown diving, bike riding off the 10m platform and trampoline stunts.

All of the act is also set to music.

The divers practice for weeks in advance so they can accomplish their Cirque du Soliel-esque stunts.

Rocha said the divers love the event because it is the one time a year when they just get to have fun and not compete, saying also that its a great way to introduce kids to the sport.

There will be autograph sessions before and after the show, including a special session before the show with members of the UA team who made the Olympic games in Athens.