SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota collected the TicketSmarter Summit League Women’s Peak Swimmer and Diver of the Week, while South Dakota State and Lindenwood split the Men’s Peak Swimmer and Diver of the Week awards, league officials announced on Tuesday.
Sara Mayer of USD earned her first career Women’s Peak Swimmer of the Week, while teammate Kayla Middaugh garnered the Women’s Peak Diver of the Week.
South Dakota State’s Jack Ellison received the Men’s Peak Swimmer of the Week, while David Molina-Fregenal of Lindenwood earned his fourth career Men’s Peak Diver of the Week honor.
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Men’s Peak Swimmer of the Week
Jack Ellison, South Dakota State
So. | Omaha, Neb.
- Won the 500 freestyle on both days of the Coyote Extravaganza and swam to a victory in the 1,650 freestyle
- Posted a season-best time of 4:43.12 in the 500 freestyle, followed by a winning time of 4:47.48
- Claimed the 1,650 freestyle (16:42.00) and opened the two-day meet with a third-place time of 4:13.37 in the 400 IM
- This is the first career peak performer award for Ellison
Also nominated: Jacob Carlson (South Dakota), Patryk Winiatowski (Lindenwood).
Women’s Peak Swimmer of the Week
Sara Mayer, South Dakota
Jr. | Wausau, Wis.
- Swam to six top-five finishes during the two-day Coyote Extravaganza
- Won the 100 butterfly (56.75) and finished third in the 50 freestyle with a season-best time of 24.70
- Contributed to the Coyote relays in the 400 Medley (3rd leg, 56.23), second in the 200 Medley (3rd leg, 25.56), second in the 400 freestyle (2nd leg, 53.31) and fifth in the 200 freestyle (1st leg, 24.84)
- This is the first career peak performer accolade for Mayer
Also nominated: Camryn Lewis (Eastern Illinois), Gigi Hoiki (South Dakota State), Megan Hollaar (Lindenwood).
Men’s Peak Diver of the Week
David Molina-Fregenal, Lindenwood
Jr. | Madrid, Spain
- Captured second in the 1-meter with a score of 268.20 against Missouri and Southern Illinois
- Also took first with a 287.20 in the 3-meter dive
- This is the fourth peak diver of the week honor of his career
Also nominated: Oscar Francis (South Dakota State).
Women’s Peak Diver of the Week
Kayla Middaugh, South Dakota
Sr. | Shawnee, Kan.
- Won both diving events during the Coyote Extravaganza
- Scored a 248.45 on the 1-meter board to earn her first collegiate victory in the 1-meter
- Posted a season-best 255.90 on the 3-meter dive for her third career win on the 3-meter
- This is her first career peak diver of the week award
Also nominated: Anna Mei Castro (South Dakota State), Selena Corona (Lindenwood).
2023-24 Peak Swimmers & Divers of the Week
October 3
Men’s Swimmer: Sam Smith, Southern Indiana
Women’s Swimmer: Hayden Shurtz, Southern Indiana
Men’s Diver: N/A
Women’s Diver:
October 10
Men’s Swimmer: Elliott Irwin, Lindenwood
Women’s Swimmer: Taylor Buhr, South Dakota
Men’s Diver: Reece Reid, South Dakota State
Women’s Diver: Samantha Mersnick, South Dakota
October 17
Men’s Swimmer: Alex Lynch, Denver
Women’s Swimmer: Payton Easley, Omaha
Men’s Diver: Ian Blackstock, Omaha
Women’s Diver: Darby Drake, Omaha
October 24
Men’s Swimmer: Elliott Irwin, Lindenwood
Women’s Swimmer: Sianne Downes, South Dakota State
Men’s Diver: Zyad Morsy, Denver
Women’s Diver: Olivia Gordon, Denver
October 31
Men’s Swimmer: Mason Schroeder, Omaha
Women’s Swimmer: Jessica Maeda, Denver
Men’s Diver: Ian Blackstock, Omaha
Women’s Diver: Savanna Berry, Denver
November 7
Men’s Swimmer: Jack Ellison, South Dakota State
Women’s Swimmer: Sara Mayer, South Dakota
Men’s Diver: David Molina-Fregenal, Lindenwood
Women’s Diver: Kayla Middaugh, South Dakota
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