NEWARK, Del. – Behind generous donations from the parents of Blue Hen divers, the University of Delaware swimming and diving teams purchased a state-of-the-art TiVo and camera system to help assist the athletes and coaches.

The system, which was purchased with the help and support of the parents of the Delaware divers, will serve as an essential tool to enhance the success and effectiveness of each and every diving practice. Utilizing the technology, coaches and divers can watch instant frame-by-frame replays of each dive and critique the performance.

“I know that this system will allow for great success in our practices,” said Pete Metrinko, who is in his sixth season as Delaware’s diving coach. “Not only will the divers be able to listen to my thoughts on how to better execute their dives, but they will also see it for themselves. Just as other sports do, we can use this film to break down our techniques. The divers have used the TiVo system each day at practice, and they are seeing the benefit of having such a necessary practice tool.”

Using a video camera, practices are recorded and sent to the TiVo system on the pool deck. Combining the TiVo and camera, practices can be viewed on delayed time. It allows both the diver and coach to watch each dive in either slow motion or frame-by-frame playback. That helps the athletes and coaches pinpoint exactly where corrections and adjustments need to be made.

Delaware purchased two 26-inch flat-screen televisions and a new camera with the support of the parents. One of the TVs is located near the 1-meter side of the diving well, while the other is located on the 3-meter side.

“The whole idea of being involved in the program is to help everyone become the best they can be,” said John Di Pretoro, the father of junior diver Gabrielle Di Pretoro, who donated to the effort. “The TiVo system is an immediate teacher. Once the diver hits the water, it allows them and Pete to critique their performance immediately. It is just a fabulous system that will help the program.”

Following the upgrades to the Rawstrom Natatorium, Metrinko led a concerted effort to improve the diving program with the addition of the TiVo system. The parents were more than eager to assist the endeavor, immediately donating to the team to help fund the new technology.

“I can't thank the parents of our divers enough for their generous contributions to this team,” said Metrinko, who competed as a diver from 1997-99 and led the Blue Hens to three straight America East titles. “They have always been extremely generous to me, my family, and of course, their divers. It is without question that we have been able to enhance our practices because of them.”