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After a successful 20-year run as the head diving coach at UC Berkeley, Phil Tonne brought his expertise up Interstate 80 to the Aggie program. He enters his fourth year at UC Davis in 2006-07.
Tonne's ever-growing stable of divers has made substantial contributions to the Aggies' team success at the Big West Conference. His women's squad scored 154 points at the 2006 league meet, while the men's crew - led by 3-meter champion Brad Kern - accounted for 212 team points at the Big West Championships. One year later, his crew enjoyed second-place performances on each board from junior Krysta Chaldekas.
Perhaps Tonne's finest hour with the Golden Bears came in 1991, when he guided Melissa Graviss to a seventh-place finish on the 3-meter board. She was Cal's first-ever women's diver to qualify for the NCAA Championship. Graviss qualified for the national meet on both springboards in 1992 as well. In 2004, Tonne protegé Louie Gagnet reached the national meet on the tower and both springboards. In his career, Tonne has coached two Pac-10 men's finalist and one conference champion on the women's side.
Additionally, every Golden Bear diving record was set during his tenure. In addition to his collegiate guidance, Tonne also served as head coach for the Diablo Divers in Walnut Creek, Calif. During that time, he oversaw the careers of 23 North Coast Section champions, one age-group national champion, 11 Junior Olympic participants and six senior national competitors. Also under Tonne's guidance: his Aggie predecessor Karla Helder, who has captured numerous national and world master's national titles in recent years.
Tonne was a two-time JC All-American diver at Chabot College before continuing his career at San Diego State. He was twice named MVP for the Aztecs. Tonne graduated from SDSU in 1979 with a degree in physical education.
