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Dodgers host district swim

Fort Dodge senior Cole Pearson has been at the state meet three times already.

He wants his final postseason to be the most memorable one yet.

The Dodgers host a district swim meet in the FDSH pool on Saturday, with action beginning at noon.

“Being at home is a huge advantage; having the home-town support is always helpful,” said Pearson, a University of South Dakota recruit. “With it being my final (stretch of high school action), it’s kind of sad to see everything coming to a close.”

Teams joining the Dodgers in a pursuit of state bids to Marshalltown will be Ames, Boone, Carroll, Cedar Falls, Sioux City, Spencer and Storm Lake.

Through three seasons Pearson has qualified for 10 state events in all — five relays and five individual competitions.

“Going into districts this year, it’ll be a good showing of how far I’ve come individually and the growth of everyone on the team,” Pearson said. “The goal is to break records and go for the championship.”

Pearson just missed the podium last year in the 100 freestyle (47.43; ninth place) and was 15th in the 200 (1:45.16). He was also part of the state-qualifying 400 and 200 freestyle relays.

As a sophomore, he competed as a member of the 200 free relay (7th place) and 400 free relay (9th place). He was 16th in the 200 freestyle and 19th in the 100 backstroke.

In his first season as a Dodger he was part of the 400 freestyle quartet (16th) and also swam on the 200 freestyle relay squad (17th).

Senior Ben Lennon was part of the 400 free and 200 free relay at state last season.

“We’re shooting for season-best times and, for Cole, school records,” FDSH head coach Ashley Beaumont said. “Even with the recent stretch (of missing school due to weather), Cole trained and went through his normal routine. He’s ready.

“We have a lot of hard-working swimmers who want to have their best performances on Saturday, from Cole on down. This is what we’ve been preparing for.”

Entering Saturday’s action, Pearson has the second-fastest district times in the 100 free (48.55) and 200 free (1:48.71). He also is second best in the 50 free (22.09) and 100 backstroke (54.37).

The top 24 times in each event will qualify for state. The field will be announced at approximately 7 p.m. on Saturday.

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