Reivers Close Regular Season with Record-Breaking Performance at Grinnell Last Chance Meet
GRINNELL, Iowa - The Iowa Western Reivers used the Grinnell Last Chance Meet as a final tune-up before nationals, delivering strong swims, personal bests, and a historic record-breaking performance in a non-scoring competition.
Freshman standout Sam Brunel led the way with a massive swim in the men's 1650 freestyle, breaking both the pool and Iowa Western school record with a time of 15:52.48. Brunel also captured the men's 200 IM in 1:57.21, continuing an already impressive season and establishing himself as one of the program's key distance leaders heading into championship racing.
The Reivers opened the meet with a victory in the men's 800 freestyle relay, posting a 7:30.92 behind strong splits from Nolan Hunt, Kyle St. Cyr, Chase Dawes, and John Thygesen. Distance strength remained a theme throughout the day, highlighted by Hunt's win in the men's 1000 freestyle (10:33.34) and Sammy Diaz's dominant performance in the women's 1650 freestyle (18:40.74).
Cesar Guerrero Vivas delivered a pair of standout IM performances, winning the men's 400 IM in 4:12.13 and placing second in the 200 IM with a sub-2:00 effort. Sprint speed was also on display, with Jimmy Koch clocking 21.38 in the men's 50 freestyle and later adding a 47.67 in the 100 freestyle.
The women's squad continued to show growth and depth. Onye Onovo captured the women's 50 freestyle in 25.04 and added a strong 200 freestyle swim. Ellie Cowan secured a win in the 100 breaststroke (1:19.33), while Allison Elings picked up victories in the 100 butterfly and contributed key sprint freestyle performances.
The meet served its purpose as a final sharpening opportunity before nationals. With records falling, confidence rising, and multiple athletes posting season-best times, the Reivers leave Grinnell carrying momentum into the biggest meet of the year.
Iowa Western now shifts full focus to nationals, where the team looks to build on a season defined by rapid growth, resilience, and breakthrough performances.