Just one second has been the deciding factor for Fort Dodge swimmer Ali Chambers in qualifying for the state meet as an individual in each of the three previous seasons.

Chambers came up less than one second short of qualifying in the 50-yard freestyle the past three seasons, but broke that streak with a memorable district effort.

Chambers qualified in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 25.25 and also advanced in the 200 yard freestyle relay.

Although Chambers had already been on three state relay teams prior to districts, breaking through in the individual level was a big accomplishment.

Now, the hard-working senior will look to go after one more major accomplishment before her prep career is over - the school record in the 50-yard freestyle.

Chambers will be competing for the Dodgers at the state meet this Saturday in the 50-yard freestyle and the 200-yard freestyle relay.

"I've been so close to making it in the past, and it has been something that really motivated me to get faster," Chambers said. "I didn't want to come up short this time. It's really icing on the cake to make it as an individual as well as on a relay team."

Head coach Katie Gronbach added, "She has a lot of heart and drive, and that was the reason she was able to make it this year. She is very talented swimmer."

Chambers qualified in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 25.25, just one one-hundredth away from tying the school record in the event.

With the chance to end her career at the biggest of stages, Chambers wants to go out in fitting style as the record is just within grasp.

"I came into this season with one of my goals set at challenging for the school record," said Chambers. "Swimming at state is a great experience, so this would be an amazing way to do it. Either way, I just want to swim my best times and help score some points for the team."

Chambers has played a big role in the 200 yard freestyle relay teams that have now made a trip to the state meet

Ending at the state level will be the fitting ending for Chambers after being a staple of the Dodger varsity lineup for her entire career.

"There's no better way to end it then at the state meet," said Chambers. "I have been pushing myself pretty hard for four years now. This year I really wanted to be a leader for the team and reach the goals I had set."

While the individual goals have pushed Chambers to the limit, she also has been motivated to be a true leader on the team. The Dodgers had a small team this season and were relatively inexperienced.

"This team is so much different than any other ones. We were a lot smaller, but were all very motivated and made it a point to cheer eachother on each event," said Chambers. "I wanted to set good examples this year and help the team all while reaching my individual goals."

The past has provided Chambers proof of many noteworthy accomplishments, but Chambers will put it all on the line this Saturday with the chance to prove herself in the 50 yard freestyle - where anybody can have a breakthrough performance.

"I really want to get in the 25.24 range - that would be a big accomplishment for me," said Chambers. "Everybody is pretty close at the end of the 50 free, so hopefully I'll be right where I want to be."

Contact Brady Johnson at (515) 573-2141 or by e-mail at sports@messengernews.net