Another Klassen is making a name for himself among the state’s elite divers.

Phillip Klassen, a ninth-grader at Redmond Junior High, just missed out on a podium appearance at the Class 4A state dive meet last Saturday, finishing in ninth place with 316.35 points. The top eight earn a podium visit and a medal.

“I was just having fun,” said Klassen, whose older brother, Max, won the 4A dive title last winter as senior. “My main goal was to make state and I did that. The rest was icing on the cake.”

Phillip finished Friday’s eight-dive preliminary round in sixth place with 237.65 points and was one of 16 divers to compete in Saturday’s three-dive finals.

“I was very happy,” Phillip said of his performance. “It was more than I expected. I wasn’t sure I was going to make finals.”

Phillip, who missed the podium by 3.10 points, said he is hungry to place in the top eight next season.

“I think by my senior year, I have a good chance at getting first,” Phillip said. “Next year, I am hoping to get on the podium.”

Max, who now attends the University of Washington and coaches for the Juanita and Lake Washington High diving programs, went to state twice in his high school career, placing third as a junior before claiming the title as a senior.

Max was in attendance as Phillip nearly walked away with a medal in his state-meet debut.

“He’s very supportive,” Phillip said. “He gave me tips here and there.”

Despite the brotherly love, Phillip is hoping to outdo his older bro.

“I’m definitely keeping score,” Phillip said of his sibling rivalry.

Phillip may soon have some familiar competition as his younger, Eric, an eighth-grader at Redmond Junior High, will be diving at the high school level next year.

“We will be diving together next season,” Phillip said.

And who knows, come next February, they may be standing together on the state podium too.