Michelle Pollard

The South Dakota State University men’s and women’s swimming and diving team split weekend duals versus Minnesota State, Mankato.

The Jackrabbit men defeated the Mavericks while the women were defeated. The final score in the men’s competition was 131-99 and the women fell in a 105-76 decision.

This meet was pivotal in determining training regimes for the remainder of the season.

“We are coming down the last stretch of a long season, and the team is preparing to put all of the year’s hard work into one final weekend,” junior swimmer Morgan Haas said.

The Jackrabbit men were led by victories from Benji Erickson in the 200 medley relay, 200 individual medley and the 100 backstroke. Joining Erickson on the the 200 medley relay team was Scott Hadorn, Tyler Sonstegard and Jake Berg. Hadorn also won the 100 breaststroke and Berg was victorious in the 50 freestyle.

Mike Adelman also captured three first-place finishes for the Jackrabbits. Adelman won the 1000 and 500 freestyle events and was part of the 200 freestyle relay. Joining Adelman on the the relay was Berg, Jesse Peterson and Zach Olson.

Also leading the men was Sam Kezar, who won both diving events.

Camren Hillewaert had three individual victories for the Jacks, winning the 200 free, 100 fly and 100 breaststroke.

Last weekend’s meet marked the last home meet for four Jackrabbit seniors. Part of the team will be traveling to the University of Minnesota Challenge this Friday and Saturday. The meet will feature teams from all collegiate levels of competition. Nine Jackrabbits will be representing SDSU.

The rest of the team is busy preparing for the North Central Conference championship meet, which will be Feb. 20-23 in Grand Forks, N.D.

“You will find us doing whatever we can to prepare for conference, including wearing tights, watching our diet and conserving energy whenever possible,” Haas said.