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“Water has been a part of my life since I was little,” says Jeremy. “I want it to stay that way.” With plans to attend a college with a dive team, Jeremy should get his wish along with an education. He would like to study criminal justice and become a part of a protective services unit like The Secret Service. “My class visited Washington, DC in the 5th or 6th grade and since then, I have always been fascinated by the Secret Service Officers.” Considering schools to pursue both diving and his dreams is somewhat like any other high school senior, but Jeremy has his sights set on either Delta State in Mississippi or Indian River State College in Port St. Lucie, FLA. “Both schools have great dive teams,” says Jeremy. “Indian River’s team just celebrated its 40th consecutive championship season.”
Plans for college are just one part of Jeremy’s very busy life. He works out nearly every day with Atlanta Diving Association to perfect the dives that are required each meet for placement. His coach, Webb Worthington, thinks very highly of Jeremy personally and as a diver. “Jeremy is one of the hardest workers I have had the pleasure to coach,” says Coach Webb. “His ability to manage his time between school, a job, and two diving teams (his high school team and ADA’s elite Junior Olympic competitive team) is unique among his peers and impressive at a minimum.” Coach Webb goes on to say that Jeremy’s dedication to improvement is equally notable. Jeremy’s schedule includes many days when he has driven well over an hour in traffic to attend a practice at Georgia Tech only to then drive to another pool so that he can continue practicing with his high school team. “Whether or not he will decide he wants to continue pursuing his diving career in college remains unknown… but what is clear is that when Jeremy Rutledge sets a goal, he will not back down from any obstacles that stand in its path!”
Jeremy’s family stands behind him whatever he should decide. To say that they are proud of him would be an understatement. Of course, his parents, Tommy and Tricia are very proud of their son. “He works very hard at all he does,” says Tommy. “He keeps up with his job, workouts, and school which sets a great example for other student-athletes.” Jeremy’s Aunt Christie Rutledge Byrd says, “We are all very proud of Jeremy and his accomplishments in diving, and everything he sets his mind to! He works hard at school and at his job, attends church regularly, and still finds time to practice several times a week for diving, and participates regularly in diving competitions. He is a fine young man, and there is no doubt in my mind that he will succeed in college and in life!”
