SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The swimming and diving season is back in full swing, with multiple programs competing for the first time this season. St. Thomas’ Alex Foti and South Dakota State’s Elisabeth Timmer notched the TicketSmarter Men’s and Women’s Swimmer of the Week accolades, respectively, while SDSU’s Erik Thompson and South Dakota’s Naomi Bingham took home the honors for the Men’s and Women’s Diver of the Week, league officials announced on Tuesday.
The Tommies opened its Division I era winning 10 of 16 events in a home dual triumph over Augustana, while the Jackrabbits also picked up a home dual win over Augustana. Additionally, the Coyotes earned a season-opening dual win over Minnesota State, capturing 13 of 16 events.
Men’s Swimmer of the Week
Alex Foti, St. Thomas
Fr. | Waukesha, Wis.
• Broke a school record in his first collegiate race and the first men’s individual event of their Division I era, clocking in a 9:48.56 in the 1000 free in a dual meet victory over Augustana
• Won the 500 free in 4:45.58 and capped the meet by swimming the leadoff leg on the Tommies’ winning 200 free relay with a time of 21.97
• The is the first swimmer of the week award for Foti
Also nominated: Austin Smith (South Dakota State); Jarod Farrow (Eastern Illinois)
Women’s Swimmer of the Week
Elisabeth Timmer, South Dakota State
Jr. | Savaneta, Aruba
• Won three individual events and added a fourth title in relay competition in a home dual victory over Augustana
• Set a Marshall Center Pool women’s standard in the 50 free (23.92), which broke the previous mark of 27.97 seconds set in 2009
• Claimed victories in the 200 free (1:55.84), 200 medley relay (1:48.80) and 100 fly (58.90)
• This is the second career swimmer of the week accolade for Timmer
Also nominated: Emily Kahn (South Dakota); Autumn Grinter (Eastern Illinois); Liz Thull (St. Thomas)
Men’s Diver of the Week
Erik Thompson, South Dakota State
Jr. | Prior Lake, Minn.
• Placed second in the 1-meter dive with a score of 261.15 in a season-opening home dual against Augustana
• Also placed second in the 3-meter dive with a score of 268.13
• This is the first career diver of the week award for Thompson
Women’s Diver of the Week
Naomi Bingham, South Dakota
Sr. | Mukilteo, Wash.
• Picked up her first collegiate win with a 1-meter score of 261.23 in a dual win over Minnesota State
• Her 1-meter final point total moved her into 8
th on USD’s all-time list and placed third in the 3-meter with a score of 237.68
• Posted highest scores among Summit League divers last week
• This is the first career diver of the week honor for Bingham
Also nominated: Abbi Rouse (South Dakota State)
2021-22 Swimmers and Divers of the Week
October 5
Men’s Swimmer: Darragh Mahns, Denver
Women’s Swimmer: Aysia Leckie, Denver
Men’s Diver: N/A
Women’s Diver: Aleni Stoakes, South Dakota State
October 12
Men’s Swimmer: Alex Foti, St. Thomas
Women’s Swimmer: Elisabeth Timmer, South Dakota State
Men’s Diver: Erik Thompson, South Dakota State
Women’s Diver: Naomi Bingham, South Dakota
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