Pearson doubles up
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Cole Pearson's afternoon didn't start exactly the way he wanted it to on Saturday, but in the end, the Fort Dodge senior is still returning to the state meet.
Pearson, qualified for state in the 50 and 100 freestyle, making it four years in a row for the University of South Dakota recruit.
"It's going to be different with just me going to state this year, but it was always the end goal (to get back),'' Pearson said. "It means a lot to me to still be able to compete at that level with everyone in the state."
Pearson was fifth in the 50 at districts in a time of 22.12. Sioux City Metro's William Rankin (21.50) was the champion.
Pearson's efforts netted him the 23rd-best qualifying time for state.
"It didn't start out great, because I didn't have the showing I wanted in the 50 freestyle,'' Pearson said. "It took a lot of mental strength to get my head back into the game for my next race.
"Once I did that, I was able to get one of my best times ever in the 100 freestyle."
Pearson's specialty, the 100 freestyle, went much better. He reached the wall in a time of 47.82, a little over a second behind Rankin's time of 46.20.
"I was a little nervous about the 50, because it wasn't his best time,'' said first year head coach Ashley Beaumont. "Now he has another opportunity to get the school record (21.45).
"The 100 is his strongest event. He went out so hard and looked great. He dropped his time and Rankin ended up with the second fastest time in the state."
Pearson has now qualified for 12 state events in all. He has reached the big stage seven times as an individual, and five times as a part of relays.
Last season, Pearson saw action in the 100 and 200, just missing the medal stand with a time of 47.43 for ninth in the 100. He was 15th in the 200.
"Cole has grown a lot since his first year,'' Beaumont said. "He has really worked hard to try and make an impact on the Dodger swimming program.
"The boys look up to him, and this will be a great way to go out."
Ames won the team district championship here on Saturday with 456 points. Cedar Falls was second with 383.