North Cook News

For years, Devin Peters stepped out of his Des Plaines home and instantly got a glimpse of whom he wanted to be -- literally.

“Shane (Costello) is like my neighbor," Peters told the North Cook News. "He lives right across the street from me.”

The Maine West senior finally became that person, in a sense, when he broke Costello’s 1-meter diving record -- over six dives -- with a score of 245.2 against rival Maine East.

“It has been a little bit of a rivalry,” Peters said. “I've talked to him since I got the record. He told me he knew it was going to happen, and he knew it was coming down.”

Costello's record stood for 13 years, but Peters had long been intent on topping it and becoming the new longtime record holder. He helped cement that hope by beating his own record with a score of 248.15 a week later.

Maine West coach Mike Tuntland said he could see it all coming together for his senior star.

“Devin has had this goal all season, and he’s been working toward it,” he said. “He’s been a leader for us from the first day. We have three freshmen this year that have watched and learned from him every step of the way this season. He’s created a special energy for us.”

Tuntland said he is amazed at how quickly Devin grew, especially since he hasn't been with the program all four years.

“He came in as a sophomore, so we didn’t have time to develop him freshman year,” he said. “We all regret that. But he’s made the most of every day and really focused his junior and senior years. He is very dedicated and conscientious.”

Peters didn't stop at one record, either. He scored a 393.00 in 11 dives at the IHSA State Swimming and Diving Meet, beating Costello's 13-year-old mark of 384.45.

Devin finished in 43rd place at the state meet.