FREIN, VERTIN POST VICTORIES AT USD INVITE

South Dakota State swimmer Colt Frein competes in the breaststroke.

Photo by: SDSU Athletics

1/30/2026 10:25:00 PM | Men's Swimming and Diving

VERMILLION — Freshman Colt Frein won the 200-yard individual medley Friday night at the Coyote Invitational, pacing a group of seven South Dakota State men's swimmers to finish in the top 10 of the event during the opening day of the multi-team competition at the USD Natatorium.

A native of Piedmont, Frein clocked a winning time of 1 minute, 52.91 seconds as the Jackrabbits swept the top five spots in the 200 IM. Kolden Kringen was second in 1:53.20, followed by Braxton McGrath (1:54.04), David Bosch (1:54.18) and fellow freshman Luke Watkins (1:54.46). Adding top-10 finishes for SDSU in the field of 36 finishers were newcomers Conner Trinidad (seventh, 1:54.90) and Colby Williams (10^th, 1:55.20).

Continuing his winning ways for SDSU was Cody Vertin in the 500 freestyle. Competing in the event for the first time this season, Vertin recorded a winning time of 4:38.14 as five Jackrabbits notched top-10 finishes. Owen Byrd placed third for the Jackrabbits in 4:42.35 and Josh Nelson was fifth in 4:48.85. Hayden Tellier (4:51.68) and Roan Walsmith (4:55.21) rounded out the Jackrabbit contingent.

In the 50 freestyle, Bryce Edens was the top Jackrabbit placer by clocking a seventh-place and season-best time of 21.34 seconds out of 35 competitors. Edens also swam on SDSU's third-place 200 freestyle relay, teaming with Jack Ellison, Bryan Wong and Eric Anderson for a time of 1:24.84.

UP NEXT
Competition at the Coyote Invitational concludes Saturday. Swimming sessions are slated for 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., with diving taking place at 2 p.m.

-GoJacks.com-