Three more winter moments to savor for south-metro schools

º Photo by Ann Heisenfelt

Rosemount senior Daniel Monaghan successfully defended his Class 2A diving title at the boys' swimming state meet at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center. The future Gopher put together three excellent finishing dives to edge Patrick Quarberg of Minnetonka by less than one point for the crown. He trailed by nearly 20 points after eight of the 11 dives. Monaghan finished with a winning score of 439.25, while Quarberg wound up with a mark of 438.70.

º Photo by Jeff Wheeler

Burnsville senior Vivian Hett was the runner-up for the second consecutive year in the Nordic girls' skiing state meet at Giants Ridge in Biwabik. She was making her sixth consecutive appearances in the state meet. She finished behind U.S. national 18-under teammate Mattie Watts of Irondale. Watts posted a time of 37 minutes, 14.6 seconds to win the pursuit championship. Hett finished 6.3 seconds back of Watts.

º Photo by Kyndell Harkness

After a one-year absence as Class 2A wrestling team champions, Simley got back to familiar surroundings. The Spartans won their sixth title in seven years by defeating Scott West 33-21, relying on wrestlers as young as seventh grade as well as No. 1-ranked Mack Short to win key matches. Simley sealed the victory on a pin by Jack Ryan at 220 pounds.