SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A trio of programs were represented among the latest TicketSmarter Summit League Swimmers and Divers of the Week with multiple honorees placing first in numerous events, league officials announced on Tuesday.
Omaha’s Daniel Young garnered the Men’s Swimmer of the Week award, while fellow Maverick Ian Blackstock received the Men’s Diver of the Week accolade. On the women’s side, South Dakota State’s Elisabeth Timmer earned her second-straight weekly award, garnering Swimmer of the Week honors, while Denver’s Zora Opalka was named the Diver of the Week.
The Omaha men’s team, who is in its inaugural season, wrapped up its second meet of the season by defeating Colorado School of Mines, 203-87, and while also competing against Air Force. South Dakota State women’s squad recorded victories against Iowa Central and Barton C.C. (Kan.), while Denver competed against Colorado State.
Men’s Swimmer of the Week
Daniel Young, Omaha
Fr. | Park Ridge, Ill.
• Omaha’s top finisher in three events in a double dual against Air Force and Colorado School of Mines
• Placed first in the both the 100 breast (56.97) and 200 IM (1:55.55)
• Picked up a third-place finish in the 100 free (46.69) and was part of a second-place 200 free relay group that posted a time of 1:32.91, where Young swam the second leg with a time of 25.77
• This is the first career swimmer of the week award for Young
Also nominated: Alex Kraft (South Dakota State)
Women’s Swimmer of the Week
Elisabeth Timmer, South Dakota State
Jr. | Savaneta, Aruba
• Went undefeated in four individual races over two meets – a home dual against Iowa State and a double dual against Iowa Central and Barton (Kan.)
• Swept the freestyle events against Iowa State, winning the 50 free (24.04) and 100 free (52.21)
• Against Iowa Central and Barton, Timmer claimed the 100 fly (59.60) and 200 free (1:57.58)
• Also swam on two winning relays in the 400 medley (3:45.73) and 400 free (3:36.99)
• This is the third career swimmer of the week honor for Timmer
Also nominated: Jessica Maeda (Denver); Hailey Matthews (Omaha); Mairead Power (South Dakota)
Men’s Diver of the Week
Ian Blackstock, Omaha
Fr. | East China, Mich.
• Posted a second-place 3-meter dive score of 213.35 with a double dual against Air Force and Colorado School of Mines
• Also placed third in the 1-meter dive with a score of 209.30
• This is the first career diver of the week award for Blackstock
Women’s Diver of the Week
Zora Opalka, Denver
R-Sr. | Bainbridge Island, Wash.
• Captured the 1-meter dive (277.13) title in a dual at Colorado State
• Also placed second in the 3-meter dive with a score of 261.75
• Both scores were league-bests last week
• This is the second career diver of the week accolade for Opalka
Also nominated: Aleni Stoakes (South Dakota State); Naomi Bingham (South Dakota); Holly Bernardin (Omaha)
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
October 19
Men’s Swimmer: Daniel Young, Omaha
Women’s Swimmer: Elisabeth Timmer, South Dakota State
Men’s Diver: Ian Blackstock, Omaha
Women’s Diver: Zora Opalka, Denver
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