×

State’s eyes on FDSH swim district

Highly-ranked individuals on the blocks, including Fierke and Pearson

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Senior Andrew Fierke of Fort Dodge swims in the Dodger pool earlier this season.

The boys state swim meet is still a week away, but district action at the Dodger pool should provide the ultimate sneak peek for fans who just can’t wait to see what some of the top competitors in Iowa have to offer.

Defending state champion Dylan Moffatt of Cedar Falls brings the fastest 500-yard freestyle time in the state to Saturday’s event at FDSH. Though the super sophomore is still the odds-on-favorite to repeat as a gold medalist, he has company in fast-rising Dodger senior Andrew Fierke.

Fierke’s season-best mark of 4:43.71 is second only to Moffatt’s 4:37.23 in the state. Fierke and Moffatt both own Top-5 regular-season times in the 200 freestyle as well.

”It should definitely be an exciting day of swimming,” Fort Dodge head coach Joel Greathouse said. ”Moffatt is outstanding, but Andrew has really surged as a senior. He’s looking forward to making the most of his opportunities now that we’re in (the postseason).

”Of course, both have their eyes on bigger and better things a week from now. But I’m looking forward to seeing how Andrew takes on the challenge (in the 500) — he’s won it with ease in all of our meets so far this year. I think (going head-to-head) will be great because they’ll push each other to do their best.”

Fierke and Moffatt aren’t the only individual standouts on the blocks. Dodger junior Cole Pearson currently holds the sixth-best time in the 100 freestyle (48.27), while Cedar Falls senior Sam Reinart is fifth in the 200 (1:45.92) — right behind both Moffatt (1:44.82) and Fierke (1:45.69). Reinart also ranks among the best 100 backstrokers in the state at the moment.

Fierke, Pearson, Moffatt and Reinart clutter the Top-10 list in a number of events based on their outstanding regular-season performances. The Tigers have the top time in the 200 freestyle relay (1:28.85) as well, and they’re fourth in the 400 free relay (3:14.85).

”The only drawback to having a team like Cedar Falls in the district is that we could have career-best times across the board and possibly get shut out of having (an individual champion),” Greathouse said. ”In the grand scheme of things, though, it’s much more important that we’re tested and ready for what we’re going to see (at state).

”Andrew’s had high expectations for himself all year; he’s really joined the conversation among the best. And Cole just keeps getting better. He’ll drop quite a bit of time (on Saturday).”

Greathouse is looking forward to watching his 200 and 400 freestyle relay quartet of Fierke, Pearson, senior Landon Getting and junior Ben Lennon perform. He also sees Getting (50 and 100 freestyle) and senior Eli Asay (100 breaststroke) as potential state contenders.

”We could have spread (the relays) out more (to include the 200 medley) too, but that would have been risky. This way, we’re hoping for good seeds in the 200 and 400 free,” Greathouse said. ”Landon and Eli are going to be close. If they step up the way I know they can, as seniors, they’ll make (the state cut-off).”

Last season, Fort Dodge placed 12th at state, anchored by senior Mitchell Emery’s silver medal in the 100 butterfly. Pearson and Getting participated in multiple state events, with Fierke advancing in the 500.

Boone, Carroll, Mason City, Sioux City, Spencer and Storm Lake round out the district field. Cedar Falls is fifth in the state’s power rankings heading into district competition, while the Mohawks, Sioux City and the Dodgers are all in the Top-16.

The meet begins at noon.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today