Saxony Lutheran's McGinnis signs to swim at South Dakota State

Saxony Lutheran's Connor McGinnis has decided to become a Jackrabbit.

The senior signed a letter of intent Wednesday to swim the backstroke and individual medley for South Dakota State, which competes on the Division I level in the Summit League.

"My club coach for SEALS, he kind of helped me," McGinnis said. "He put together a lot of schools that were good for me academically and athletically. South Dakota State was just the best fit overall."

McGinnis visited last fall and decided the school in Brookings, S.D., was the one for him.

"The team seemed like a really good group," he said. "They all were very supportive with everybody on the team. The facilities, not just the pool but the entire school is really modern and nice. The classrooms were nice."

South Dakota State finished second at the Summit League championships in February.

McGinnis finished 13th in the 100 backstroke at the state meet as a senior. He said he looked at the University of Maine, Southern Illinois and some Division II schools before making his decision.

"It's always been kind of an accomplishment I've wanted to do, so I'm happy I am," he said about competing at the Division I level.

McGinnis said will head to South Dakota in August and plans to major in parks and recreation.