ST. CHARLES – Max Schmitt twisted and turned as a Wredling Middle School wrestler before entering high school across the street.

His older sister, Bridgett, already was a St. Charles East diver when Schmitt decided to flip-flop on winter sports. These days, Schmitt is a Saints senior preparing for his second successive trip to the IHSA Boys Swimming and Diving State Meet.

Diving evolved from hobby to passion for Schmitt on the heels of his first state berth, after which he began training year-round. While a pair of smaller NCAA Division I schools have shown interest, Schmitt first aspires to increase his profile by placing in the top 12 at New Trier this weekend.