CALDWELL, Idaho — The College of Idaho swim and dive team returned to the newly resurfaced JA Albertsons Aquatic Center in style on Saturday, hosting NCAA DI University of Idaho in a spirited meet that marked the Yotes' first home competition since the pool's renovation in 2024. It was also Maddison Rice's Yotes head coaching debut, marking a new era of Yotes Swim & Dive.
The women's teams squared off head-to-head in a competitive dual, while the Yotes' men's squad competed in an intersquad exhibition, as the Vandals do not sponsor a men's swim and dive program. The atmosphere was electric as fans packed the stands to witness the Yotes back in action on home water.
Reese Kerr-Tayrien highlighted the women's side with a strong swim in the 200-yard freestyle, clocking a time of 2:33.13. Shae Arnold turned in a pair of fourth-place finishes, first in the 50-yard freestyle and later in the 100-yard freestyle with a times of 28.06 and 59.65 respectively. Sophie Mottishaw also earned a fourth-place finish in the 100-yard backstroke, touching the wall at 1:09.80.
On the men's side, Karl Yount delivered a standout performance, winning both the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 22.91 and the 100-yard butterfly. In the 200-yard freestyle, Matti Eikenes edged out teammate Alec Rodriguez in a thrilling finish, posting a time of 1:59.24. Rodriguez bounced back to win the 100-yard freestyle in 52.47.
The Yotes are now primed and ready to go to Santa Cruz, California on October 10th to compete at the Slug Shootout hosted by UC Santa Cruz.
