The South Dakota Coyotes Triumph Over St. Thomas: A Celebration of Athletic Excellence
The spirit of South Dakota shines brightly as the University of South Dakota Coyotes recently showcased their unbeatable prowess in a thrilling dual meet against St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Yotes, both men and women, returned home victorious, leaving an indelible mark on the swimming and diving landscape. With a staggering total of 25 event wins, this feat highlights not only the athletic excellence inherent in South Dakotan sports but also the determination and skill of these young athletes.
The women’s team emerged as champions with a score of 157-143, while the men dominated with a 165-135 victory. Both groups synchronized their efforts on January 3 for a memorable face-off at the campus of St. Thomas, a testament to the training and resilience of the South Dakota athletes.
Emily DiProspero
Day One Highlights
Day one at St. Paul was nothing short of electrifying. The women’s team set the pace with Emily DiProspero, Quin Mahler-Moreno, and Gabbie Ahrendt capturing the first victory in the 1200 free relay, clocking an impressive time of 12:25.53.
The men followed suit, showcasing their competitive edge. The relay team, consisting of Alex Parkinson, Will Barth, and Matthew Sorbe, delivered a compelling performance, securing their own victory on the same event. Enthusiasm soared as both male and female teams clinched top spots in multiple relay sections including the 800 free and 1000 IM relays.
South Dakota has always been a state synonymous with resilience and triumph, a quality exemplified by the Coyotes in each stroke and dive. The culture in South Dakota fosters a profound dedication to sports, evident from the enduring support amongst families and fans cheering from the stands and online platforms.
Quin Mahler-Moreno
Into the Depths: Day Two
As the competition progressed into the second day, the teams sustained their momentum. A standout moment came with the men’s relay team’s triumph in the 200 medley relay, etching a time of 1:31.41. Further adding to the success, they secured victory in the 200 freestyle relay with a swift 1:24.29.
Individually, athletes like Nick Rounds were unstoppable. Rounds dominated the 50 fly (22.06) and 200 free events. Not far behind, Emily DiProspero mirrored excellence by seizing the 1000-yard freestyle and the 100 butterfly.
The diving events brought South Dakota additional glory. Maddox Mork stepped forward with precision and poise, clinching the men’s 3 meter dive with an impressive score of 332.75, while Mady Schmidt excelled in the women’s category with a score of 285.25.
Gabbie Ahrendt
The unyielding effort put forth by these students not only celebrates South Dakota’s spirited sports culture but also sets a precedent of excellence and camaraderie. The Coyotes are not just athletes representing a university but are ambassadors of South Dakota’s steadfast commitment to sportsmanship and community pride.
Looking Ahead
The Yotes look forward to their next challenge, scheduled against UNO in Omaha on January 23. This forthcoming meet fuels both excitement and a drive to maintain their winning streak, further establishing South Dakota’s prominence in collegiate sports.
To keep up with all the latest updates, follow the South Dakota Athletics on social media platforms such as Facebook at /SDCoyotes, Twitter at @SDCoyotes, and Instagram at @sdcoyotes. This is only the beginning for the Coyotes as they continue to personify the spirit and determination that South Dakota is known for.