BROOKINGS – The South Dakota State swimming and diving teams opened the season taking on Midland and Iowa Central on Saturday afternoon at the HPER Center Pool.
Jackrabbit freshmen combined to win 11 events.
Emily Pincus won the 200-yard freestyle in 1 minute, 57.35 seconds and the 500 freestyle with a 5:17.32 clocking. Tiffany Nguyen touched first in the 100 backstroke (1:01.97) and 200 backstroke (2:15.69). Rori Conners took first in the 1,650-yard freestyle in 17:47.23.
Cody Watkins captured first in the 100 butterfly (52.49) and 200 butterfly (1:59.5). Austin Pham won the 500 freestyle (4:52.08) and 400 individual medley (4:17.89). Jeffrey Kern had the best time in the 200 backstroke (1:57.02).
A few diving records when down.
Junior Joey Weber broke the school and pool record in the 1-meter dive with a score of 352.5.
Mitchel Raihle bettered the school mark in the 3-meter dive with a 353.85.
Weber, Raihle and Emily Moore all qualified for NCAA Zone Championships.
A trio of SDSU seniors won a pair of events apiece.
Dan Jacobson was tops in the 100 backstroke (53.33 seconds) and 100 freestyle (47.61). Olivia Bartel placed first in the 100 breaststroke (1:00.14) and 200 breaststroke (2:33.04). Kristin Erf won the 50 freestyle (24.83) and 100 butterfly (1:00.86).
"It was a very good start to the season,” said first-year SDSU coach Doug Humphrey. “We had some very solid swims and really showed our versatility of this team. We swam hard from start to finish.
“On the diving side, we had a great day with two new school record holders and three NCAA zone qualifiers. I can't wait to see what the rest of the season holds."
The women’s team plays host to Northern Iowa on Saturday at 2 p.m. Both squads compete in at the USD Tri-Duals on Nov. 3-4 in Sioux Falls.
