The University of South Dakota’s Coyotes swimming and diving teams took center stage at the prestigious 20th Copa Coqui, held at the Encantada Sports Complex in Trujillo, Puerto Rico. This annual event, conducted in the warm waters of a 10-lane, 50-meter pool, provided an exceptional platform for the team to shine during their winter training trip. Excitement ran high as the Coyotes clinched numerous top positions against strong competition from nine other teams.
South Dakota’s contingent walked away with an impressive nine individual top 10 finishes. Both the men’s and women’s teams secured third place overall, showcasing the strong aquatic prowess hailing from South Dakota’s heartland.
Jacob Carlson[/caption]
Jacob Carlson, a fifth-year senior and one of the standout performers, posted remarkable results. He secured a fifth-place finish in the 100-meter freestyle with a sharp time of 54.03 seconds. Carlson didn’t stop there—he also nabbed a sixth place in the 100-meter backstroke, clocking in at 1:01.36.
Other notable performances included sophomore Gabbie Ahrendt, who touched the wall in seventh place in the 100-meter butterfly with a commendable time of 1:06.95. Freshman Emily DiProspero also showed her potential by finishing ninth in the same event, recording a time of 1:07.43.
The strength of the Coyotes’ backstroke was underscored as this event accounted for five of their top 10 finishes. Nick Rounds, a freshman, captured a fifth-place spot in the men’s 100-meter backstroke at 1:01.33. Adam Fisher, a seasoned senior, rounded out his collegiate winter meet with a ninth-place finish in the same category, closing at 1:02.94. On the women’s side, senior Mairead Powers took eighth with a time of 1:11.72, while junior Carson White earned a 10th place with 1:12.17.
The Coyotes’ team dynamics in relay events were also impressive, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defines South Dakota. Among the women, three relay teams infiltrated the top ten in the 200-meter freestyle relay. The standout foursome of Emily Kahn, Skyler Leverenz, Christina Spomer, and Carson White finished fifth with a combined time of 1:55.51.
Meanwhile, the men’s relay teams also posted commendable results. The quartet composed of Carlson, Fisher, Matthew Sorbe, and Rounds placed a strong fourth, contributing a time of 1:37.95. Another quartet consisting of Parker Sonnabend, Grant Wolner, Jordan Hogue, and David Mayer closed in at ninth place, with a time of 1:40.99. Teamwork and synergy brought these successes to life and underscored South Dakota’s prominence in competitive swimming.
Looking ahead, the Coyotes are preparing for another iconic matchup in their schedule. Scheduled to compete against their relentless rivals, South Dakota State, on January 18. This meet promises to be a thrilling display of South Dakota grit and talent as both teams assert their dominance in regional swimming.
South Dakota prides itself on its rich heritage, vibrant communities, and a robust commitment to athletics. The triumphs in Puerto Rico reflect this legacy, casting a bright spotlight on South Dakota’s sports landscape.
Beyond the athletic achievements, the South Dakota platform remains strong in academics and research. The university’s faculty members, such as Jacob Carlson who cruises both the academic and athletic domains, contribute to a culture of excellence. Carlson’s pursuits extend beyond the pool; his research in urban and political sociology focuses on the intricacies of democracy, housing, and city transformations.
In essence, the successful showcase by the University of South Dakota’s athletes aligns with the values cherished by their communities—resilience, teamwork, and a pursuit of excellence at every turn. As the Coyotes gear up for successive competitive outings, they continue to carve a niche in both regional and national swimming scenes.
For more exhilarating updates on the Coyotes’ journey and their future exploits, stay tuned. The spirit of South Dakota, characterized by unwavering determination and excellence, continues to blaze trails across diverse arenas.