SMSU Athletics

Denny Dayhuff (1971-75) made a significant impact during his four seasons on the SMSU swimming & diving program demonstrating consistent excellence in the pool to help bring the program to the national level. 

A native of South St. Paul, Minn., Dayhuff had an impressive collegiate career earning numerous individual accolades, including becoming the first NAIA All-American in team history. 

Dayhuff earned NAIA All-American honors in the 50-yard freestyle in 1974 by finishing fifth at the NAIA Championships. He also achieved eighth place finishes in the same event at both the 1973 and 1975 NAIA Championships, underlining his consistency at the national level.

He was a member of the 1972-73 team that captured the school’s first-ever Northern Intercollegiate Conference championship and earned all five team points at the 1973 NAIA Championships, the first time SMSU earned points at the national meet. 

A four-time All-NIC honoree, Dayhuff was a two-time NIC Champion in the 50-yard freestyle in 1972 and 1974 and was a member of the NIC Champion 400-yard freestyle relay team in 1973. 

Dayhuff was a key contributor to three straight NIC championship teams in 1973, 1974 and 1975. During his final three seasons, SMSU had national success, placing 24th, 16th and 11th at the NAIA Championships. 

Dayhuff’s achievements reflect not only individual talent but also dedication to team success. As a key contributor to multiple championship teams and a consistent All-NIC honoree, Dayhuff left a legacy in the program.