Reivers Break Program Records at Warrior Invitational
Fremont, NE - The Iowa Western Reivers delivered a resilient, record-shattering performance at the 2025 Warrior Invitational, overcoming illness, low meet energy, and mid-season adversity to put together one of the strongest collective showings in program history. Across three grueling days of racing, the Reivers claimed third overall on the women's side, second overall for the men, and broke an astonishing 23 program records. Despite the challenges, the message from the Reivers was clear: we compete with heart, we compete for each other, and we compete no matter the circumstances. The highs and lows of the weekend served exactly the purpose meets like this are designed for—strengthening teams for the championship road ahead.
Women's Team Recap — 3rd Place Overall
The women's team showcased exceptional grit, depth, and breakthrough performances throughout the invitational, highlighted by a wave of new program records and defining swims from both veterans and rising freshmen. Freshman Onye Onovo had her true breakout moment this weekend, rewriting multiple sprint records and solidifying herself as a growing force in the NJCAA. She broke the 50 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle, and 100 Butterfly records—all in commanding fashion—and contributed to four relay records. Sammy Diaz once again proved she is one of the most reliable and competitive athletes in the program. Diaz posted new school records in the 200 Freestyle, 500 Freestyle, and shattered the 1,650 Freestyle record by over 20 seconds, finishing in 18:00.26. She also contributed to multiple relay records, including the women's 800 Free Relay. Freshman Kaylee Johnson had a banner weekend of her own, breaking both the 100 Breaststroke and 200 Breaststroke records, and setting a new mark in the 200 Individual Medley. Her development this season continues to elevate the entire women's roster.
Men's Team Recap — 2nd Place Overall
The men's team delivered a commanding performance, fueled by standout racing, elite-level relays, and multiple swimmers rising to the occasion during crucial moments. Freshman Tyler Fogle turned in the best meet of his career—and arguably the best individual performance of the weekend—by swimming personal bests in every single event. His consistency, focus, and execution were critical to the men's second-place finish. Bernat Marsol continued to establish himself as one of the top butterfly and backstroke athletes in the NJCAA. He broke the 50 Backstroke, 100 Butterfly, and 200 Butterfly records, showcasing elite speed and exceptional discipline through all phases of his races. His performances electrified the pool deck.
From Head Coach Mykenzie Liston
"We had a lot of lows and a lot of highs, and that's exactly what meets like this are meant to give us. Our athletes showed heart, toughness, and commitment through adversity. The resilience they displayed—especially with so many battling illness—speaks volumes about who they are and what this program stands for. This meet prepares us for nationals, and I couldn't be prouder of the way we fought."
Women's Individual Records Broken
- 50 Freestyle — 24.87 (Onovo)
- 100 Freestyle — 53.84 (Onovo)
- 200 Freestyle — 1:58.02 (Diaz)
- 500 Freestyle — 5:14.63 (Diaz)
- 1,650 Freestyle — 18:00.26 (Diaz)
- 100 Butterfly — 1:01.69 (Onovo)
- 100 Breaststroke — 1:13.64 (Johnson)
- 200 Breaststroke — 2:41.16 (Johnson)
- 100 Backstroke — 1:03.75 (Walters)
- 200 Individual Medley — 2:25.10 (Johnson)
Women's Relay Records Broken
- 200 Freestyle Relay — 1:41.95
Diaz, Elings, Onovo, Walters - 800 Freestyle Relay — 8:27.21
Onovo, Elings, Given, Diaz - 200 Medley Relay — 1:55.32
Walters, Johnson, Onovo, Elings - 400 Medley Relay — 4:15.61
Walters, Johnson, Elings, Diaz - 400 Freestyle Relay — 3:43.83
Diaz, Onovo, Elings, Walters
Men's Individual Records Broken
- 50 Freestyle — 21.39 (Koch)
- 50 Backstroke — 23.83 (Marsol)
- 100 Butterfly — 49.20 (Marsol)
- 200 Butterfly — 1:49.92 (Marsol)
Men's Relay Records Broken
- 200 Freestyle Relay — 1:24.70
Brunel, Koch, Marsol, Lane - 800 Freestyle Relay — 7:00.12
St. Cyr, Koch, Lane, Brunel - 200 Medley Relay — 1:33.85
Marsol, Oliveira, Listes, Lane - 400 Medley Relay — 3:27.81
Marsol, Oliveira, Listes, Brunel - 400 Freestyle Relay — 3:04.73
Brunel, Oliveira, Listes, Koch
The Reivers are back in action January 10th at Nebraska Wesleyan.
