VERMILLION, S.D. — The vibrant town of Vermillion, South Dakota, is set to become a hub for sports enthusiasts this weekend as the University of South Dakota (USD) Coyotes women’s swim and dive team prepares to host a thrilling dual meet against longtime rivals, Iowa State Cyclones, at the USD Natatorium on Friday, October 24, at 3 p.m. This event promises to captivate the local community and showcase the talent that both teams bring to the pool.
USD, the epicenter of South Dakota’s sporting spirit, eagerly anticipates the arrival of the Cyclones, who are keen to rebound from their current winless season. Despite facing previous setbacks, including a 103-197 loss to Nebraska on October 11, and dual defeats against Illinois on October 17 and 18, Iowa State is determined to put up a formidable fight in Vermillion.
Meet Highlights and Scheduled Events
The dual meet is structured to offer fans an exciting line-up of both swimming and diving events. Attendees will experience competitive swimming events such as the 400 Medley Relay, 1000 Freestyle, and the exhilarating 200 Freestyle Relay, among others. Diving enthusiasts will be treated to remarkable performances in the 3 Meter Diving and 1 Meter Diving categories, with scheduled breaks to maintain peak athlete performance.
A Look Back: USD’s Last Meet Against Kansas
Most recently, the USD women’s team faced Kansas in a challenging dual meet, culminating in a 105-241 loss. Despite the setback, the resilient Yotes demonstrated their skill by securing several commendable second-place finishes. Noteworthy performances included Gabbie Ahrendt attaining second in the 100 fly with a time of 58.49 seconds, and Taylor Buhr achieving the same in the 200 breaststroke with a time of 2:22.04. The team’s collective spirit remains focused on leveraging these performances into a successful outcome against Iowa State.
Spotlight on South Dakota’s Athletes
South Dakota is known not only for its breathtaking landscapes, like the Badlands and Mount Rushmore, but also for fostering athletic talent. The athletes representing South Dakota, like Emily DiProspero, who clocked a 5:18.78 second-place finish in the 500 freestyle against Kansas, embody the competitive spirit and dedication that characterize the state. In the diving segment, Madysen Schmidt shone brightly, securing second place in the one meter dive with an impressive 221.03 score.
Following the Yotes and Joining the Community
The USD Coyotes community is more than just a group of athletes; it is a vibrant network of supporters united by school spirit and pride. Fans and alumni can stay connected with all things related to South Dakota Athletics. Engage with the Coyotes on social media for updates and highlights via Facebook, X(Twitter), and Instagram. The hashtags #GoYotes and #WeAreSouthDakota perpetuate school pride across platforms.
Looking Ahead
As the excitement builds for Friday’s meet, Vermillion, S.D. stands ready to host what promises to be a memorable competition between two dedicated teams. This local event not only provides an opportunity to witness top-level collegiate swimming and diving but also reinforces South Dakota’s vibrant community spirit. With the support of their home crowd, the USD Coyotes aim to transform their prior experiences into a winning momentum.
Join the Action
Whether you’re a local resident, an enthusiastic fan, or a proud alumnus, there’s no better time to show your support for the Coyotes as they take on Iowa State. Come join the exciting atmosphere at the USD Natatorium and be part of a cherished community tradition that showcases the best of South Dakota sportsmanship.