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When Michael Muscari was a grade-school tyke, he was fascinated by his sister and her cheerleading friends at West View Elementary School in Morristown.

He even mimicked them. Fact is, he says, he perfected their routines to the point that "I actually got better than them."

He really liked the gymnastic challenges of cheerleading and he practiced fervently. He had no idea those antics would lead him to the University of Tennessee diving team.

He will compete for the Vols today and tonight as the SEC championships begin at the University of Alabama pool.

He became involved in summer swimming - the 50- and 100-yard butterfly and freestyle races - during the summers while he was while in middle school.

When Muscari became a student at Catholic High School, he combined the gymnastics and swimming and turned to diving under coaches who were former Vols - Jake Dorsey, Shannon Roy, Jaime Sanger and eventually UT coach Dave Parrington.

His sister went on to cheer at Catholic and Carson-Newman College.

In 2004, Muscari won the city 1-meter diving title and followed that with the state crown at Nashville.

"Michael probably has had more success on the boards than the others we've recruited from here," Parrington said.

"He made the SEC finals on platform last year as a freshman," Parrington said.

"I'll say this: Michael isn't intimidated very easily - he'll go toe-to-toe. I think he's capable of finaling on all three boards."

One thing that has changed a bit, is that Muscari considers himself better on the 1- and 3-meter springboards than platform.

What is his take on the SEC?

"I feel pretty good, There are a lot of tough competitors - Auburn and Georgia always bring good divers," Muscari said. "I just have to believe my dives will be there and everything will go smoothly."

The toughest dive on his list?

"The back 2 1<0x2044>2 tuck on 1 meter," he replied. He said he's making progress on the tower (platform). Even with a failed diver in a meet at Texas, Muscari got eighth.

Although he has confidence, Muscari says he relies on assistant coach Roy - a former SEC champion - for advice and provide a calming effect.

"Yet, when it comes down to getting it done, Dave (Parrington) is a great coach. I just need to perfect what they've taught me."

Muscari will find quickly to day if he's "on" or "off." If he's "on" both he and Parrington like his chances.

Final Fling: Senior Ryan Rincon will compete in his final SEC meet.

"In his three-plus years Ryan has had many injuries and misfortune," Parrington said. "He's an extremely talented diver. Given the right circumstances, he has the potential to do well, especially on platform. He has shown flashes of his talent recently."

Parrington said he is "very encouraged by the way he's diving right now. I hope he'll have a good performance in his last SEC."

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.