BYU’S Jordan Tiffany Shines at Intermountain Shootout; Clocks Several Strong Early-Season Efforts
Colorado Mesa hosted the Intermountain Shootout this past weekend in Grand Junction, Colorado. Grand Junction’s altitude sits at 4,500 feet, so events 100 yards and up can be altitude adjusted according to the NCAA rulebook. All schools that participated were within a five-and-a-half-hour radius of Grand Junction, Colorado. The meet followed a dual meet-style scoring system, pitting teams against each other individually. However, it’s important to note that BYU vs. Utah was not a dual meet for the men or women, as these teams will meet each other later in the season. Teams from Divisions I and II participated, including teams representing the Pac-12, Big 12, Western Athletic Conference, and Rocky Mountain Conference (Division II).
It is important to note that teams were not wearing tech suits.
Women
The Utah women swept the Intermountain Shootout, racking up a dominant win against CSU Pueblo (Division II), 312-57, and captured wins against Division II Colorado Mesa, 206-198, and against Air Force, 216.50- 187.50.
Notable Swims
Erin Palmer – 23.12 in 50 Free: The Utah sophomore from North Dakota showed out in the 200 free relay with a 23.12 leadoff. While early-season rankings don’t hold much meaning, it is still important to note that Palmer’s 50 free currently ranks sixth in the country. Last year, Palmer was a dual-sport swimming and track athlete for the Utes, but she isn’t listed on the track roster this year. If it is what it seems and Palmer is hanging up the track cleats, it could pay huge dividends. With a few extra months of swimming, Palmer is looking to be a Pac-12 scorer and a potential NCAA qualifier.
Norah Hay – 1:58.84 in 200 Back: The junior for the Utes swam a 2:00.04 (1:58.84 altitude converted) to win the 200-yard back. Hay’s best time is 1:55.79, but 1:58.84 in September isn’t something anyone should overlook. Hay will be a big contributor to Utah’s team down the stretch, and don’t be surprised if she sneaks into an A-final at Pac-12s later this season.
Colorado Mesa Shows Its Worth
After coming off a best-ever fourth-place finish last season at the Division II Championships, Colorado Mesa continued its success early in its season by knocking off their first-ever power five team (BYU), 208-202. CM also extended its seven-year, 34-dual meet win streak against Rocky Mountain opponents with a 345-57 victory over CSU Pueblo. Colorado Mesa fell to Utah, 206-198, but defeated Air Force, 224-186.
Men
The BYU and Utah men took care of business handily in Grand Junction. The Cougars defeated Air Force, 316-90.5, and Colorada Mesa, 253.5-146.5. Utah, on the other hand, defeated Air Force, 304-100, and Colorado Mesa, 227-126.
Notable Swims
Jordan Tiffany – 47.17 in 100 Back; 47.01 in 100 Fly
BYU Cougar Jordan Tiffany shot off a 47.27 100 Back (47.17 altitude) to lead off a victorious 400 medley relay and dominated the 100 fly with a 47.11 (47.01 altitude), winning by nearly two and a half seconds.
The Tennessee transfer has been an incredible addition to the BYU team. Tiffany was one of the top recruits in the 2020 class and initially chose to head to Knoxville. However, Tiffany left the program after one year and cited mental health reasons for leaving in a recent podcast.
Tiffany originally had no plans to swim collegiately again but found his way to BYU for academics in the fall of 2022. He ended up joining the team in November of 2022. Tiffany redshirted the rest of 2022-2023. However, Tiffany dropped a 45.22 100 back, a 42.39 100 free, and a 45.63 100 fly at Speedo Sectionals last March. A 45.22 in the 100 Back would have placed 14th at NCAAs last year, and a 42.39 in the 100 free and 45.63 in the 100 fly would have been good enough for 26th, and that was following a long hiatus. One can only wonder what Tiffany will do this year at BYU.
Air Force Struggles
In traditional NCAA events, only five Air Force swimmers finished in the top eight, with two fifth-place finishes serving as Air Force’s highest placements in standard NCAA events. The Falcons are struggling to fill the hole of recent Air Force graduate Wen Zhang. Zhang, a 1:31.42 200 freestyler, was a star last season and even managed to score at NCAAs.