RAPID CITY, S.D. – Despite competing through the hottest weekend in South Dakota Swimming history with temperature exceeding 110 degrees, the Rushmore Swim Team delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 South Dakota Long Course State Championship, earning a third-place overall team finish with 2,867 points against the state’s top swimming programs. Sioux Falls Swim Team won the team title with 6,066.5 points, followed by Watertown Area Swim Club with 3,514 points.

The championship meet showcased the depth and strength of the Rushmore Swim Team across all age groups, highlighted by multiple individual high-point finishes, state championship performances, and relay victories.

Leading the way was Logan Hunter, who captured the 13-14 Girls High Point Championship with 115 points. She won the 1500-meter freestyle, 200-meter individual medley, 400-meter individual medley, 400-meter freestyle, and 800-meter freestyle while adding a runner-up finish in the 200 and 100-meter freestyles.

Several other Rushmore swimmers earned top-5 High Point honors:

  • Daniel McConnell finished 5th in 8 & Under Boys High Point.
  • Nolan Hunter placed 5th in 9-10 Boys High Point.
  • Owen Johnson tied for 4th in the 17-19 Boys High Point standings.

Rushmore swimmers also turned in numerous state championship performances throughout the weekend:

Individual State Champions

  • Logan Hunter – 13-14 Girls 1500 Freestyle, 200 IM, 400 IM, 400 Freestyle, and 800 Freestyle.
  • Solee Swank – 13-14 Girls 50 Butterfly (State Meet Record)
  • Izzy Renaud – 13-14 Girls 50 Breaststroke.
  • Owen Johnson – 17-19 Boys 50 Butterfly (State Meet Record), 200 IM, 100 Butterfly, and 200 Butterfly.
  • Charlie Ashton – 17-19 Boys 50 Breaststroke, 200 Breaststroke, and 100 Breaststroke.
  • Hunter Johnson – 17-19 Boys 200 Freestyle and 400 IM.
  • Brady Burgess – 13-14 Boys 50 Backstroke.

Championship Relay Performances

The Rushmore senior boys relay squad of Hunter Johnson, Charlie Ashton, Owen Johnson, and Josh Baseley dominated the state meet, capturing titles in:

  • 15-19 Boys 200 Medley Relay
  • 15-19 Boys 400 Medley Relay

The Rushmore 13-14 girls relay team of Callie Pyle, Izzy Renaud, Solee Swank, and Logan Hunter recorded runner-up finishes in the:

  • 200 Freestyle Relay
  • 200 Medley Relay
  • 400 Freestyle Relay
  • 400 Medley Relay

The Rushmore Swim Team congratulates all swimmers who competed and thanks the coaches, officials, volunteers, and families who helped make the 2026 South Dakota Long Course State Championship a memorable success, especially in the record breaking heat!