JACKS COME UP SHORT IN SEASON-OPENING DUAL

Friday, October 3

Lincoln, Neb.

1 p.m.

South Dakota State University

133

168

Omaha

Photo by: SDSU Athletics

10/3/2025 8:46:00 PM | Men's Swimming and Diving

COMPLETE RESULTS

LINCOLN, Neb. — Three South Dakota State swimmers each won two events, but Omaha held advantages in diving and the relays to defeat the Jackrabbits, 168-133, in a Summit League men's swimming and diving dual Friday afternoon at the Devaney Natatorium.

Freshman Luke Watkins swept the distance events in his collegiate debut to pace the Jackrabbits. The Smyrna, Georgia, native clocked a winning time of 9 minutes, 47.92 seconds to win the 1,000-yard freestyle by nearly 10 seconds, then came back later in the meet to post a top time of 4:44.54 in the 500 freestyle.

Jack Ellison was runner-up for SDSU in the 500 freestyle, 4:46.86.

Veterans Cody Vertin and Braxton McGrath also were two-time winners for SDSU. A junior from Brookings, Vertin won the 200 breaststroke in 2:04.24, then led a Jackrabbit sweep of the top three spots in the 400 individual medley with a time of 4:06.44. Evan Schott took second for SDSU in the 400 IM, 4:10.07, with Kolden Kringen placing third in 4:10.94.

McGrath tied with Omaha's Ben Bryzelak for first place in the 200 butterfly after both swimmers touched the wall in 1:56.25. McGrath later claimed the 100 butterfly in 51.31 seconds.

Bryan Wong placed third for SDSU in the 200 butterfly, 1:56.45, with freshman Landon Schemel taking fourth in 1:58.21.

Also recording an individual victory for the Jackrabbits was sophomore David Bosch in the 100 breaststroke, 56.74 seconds. He also placed third in the 100 butterfly, 51.84 seconds.

Omaha swept the top three spots in both diving events with Owen Kipp winning the 3-meter competition (316.60 points) and Nathan Frette posting a top score of 322.15 on the 1-meter board.

Stefan Varga swept the backstroke events for the Mavericks and also swam the leadoff leg of the winning 200 medley relay. Omaha sealed the dual victory was claiming the two two spots in the 400 freestyle relay.

UP NEXT
South Dakota State opens the home portion of its schedule with an Oct. 10 dual against Augustana. Start time is set for 1 p.m. at the Marshall Center Pool and will be followed by an alumni meet.

-GoJacks.com-