Jan. 8, 2005

This is the ninth in a series that spotlights the 10 freshmen on Notre Dame's 2004-05 roster. This edition features diver Chris Kane, who has qualified for the BIG EAST Championships in both springboard events. He ranks third on the Irish in six-dive three-meter action (season-best 270.00), while coming in fourth in both one-meter competition (262.27) and 11-dive three-meter diving (388.55).

Full Name - Christopher Michael Kane

Hometown - San Antonio, Texas

Is your hometown known for anything noteworthy? - The Alamo

High School and Club teams - San Antonio Divers and Ronald Reagan High School; as a freshman, I was on varsity wrestling and golf and jayvee baseball in addition to diving

Siblings - Chelsea (13), Jessica (10), Daniel (4)

Anticipated Major - Science Preprofessional

What has been most difficult thing to adjust to in college? - Being away from home for such a long period of time and not having any homework but still having a huge amount of work to do.

What is your favorite thing about Notre Dame? - The family and school spirit and the campus

Nicknames - Candi; I have no idea why

What were your high school's nickname and colors - The Rattlers, green and silver

Who has influenced you most as a diver - All the younger divers who are 10 times better than me ... (Harrison Jones, JJ Kinsbach, Drew Livingston)

What made you stick with diving over the years - I really have only been doing it for three years, but being on a co-ed team and traveling together is a lot of fun.

Favorite diver - Troy Dumais

Favorite diving moment - Every time I learn a dive I previously believed would be impossible, I get a great sensation of accomplishment.

Rituals before a meet - I always make sure I get a lot of rest; I can't ever dive well when I'm tired. I stretch for quite awhile then do one or two of every dive on the board, then visualize my meet multiple times.

Favorite "pump up" song - Danger Zone from the movie Top Gun

Describe yourself in the pool and out - I always like to have fun and remain relaxed through every situation. If I become too serious at a meet, I will tense up and miss dives. I always get everything done that is assigned, sometimes doing things in unorthodox ways.

What has surprised you most about Ireland - The overall difference in the characteristics of the people. They way they act, eat, drive, etc., I thought would be similar to us. Also the influence of American media culture seems to have a much greater influence than I had thought.

Favorite food - Steak

Favorite TV show - The O.C.

Favorite actor - Adam Sandler

Best movie you've seen recently - I saw the Polar Express 3-D at the IMAX with my family

Best book you've read recently - Deception Point by Dan Brown