Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Elora Fierke of Fort Dodge swims in the Dodger pool this past season.

Elora Fierke always pictured herself as a collegiate swimmer.

Plans change, but Fierke’s competitive fire continues to burn. As such, the Fort Dodge senior will be testing her physical and mental strength in a new arena as a student-athlete at the University of Iowa.

Fierke is joining head coach Andrew Carter’s Hawkeye rowing program. She will officially sign later this week.

A seven-time state swim qualifier, Fierke assumed her career in the pool would continue at the next level. Those feelings began to change last fall.

“I didn’t do as well as I wanted to at state; my times just weren’t where they needed to be,” Fierke admitted. “I attended a camp at Iowa and talked to the rowing coach, and it seemed really interesting to me. I started taking the idea more and more seriously (during the winter months). Now, I’m really excited about this.

“There are a lot of similarities, but also, a lot of differences. Rowing will be a real test of cardio, strength and stamina (like swimming). But it’s a whole new sport to learn and an opportunity for me to expand my horizons as an athlete. Coach (Carter) said he really likes recruiting swimmers.”

Fierke’s older brother, Andrew, is a sophomore for the Hawkeye swim program.

Fierke qualified individually for the 200 individual medley as a senior co-captain for the Dodgers. She was also on FDSH’s 400 freestyle relay team that placed 14th at state.

Fierke competed at state during her final three seasons as a Dodger.

“We tried our best to change the atmosphere around the program,” Fierke said of herself and classmate Madigan Peimann. “We still wanted to take it serious and show our competitiveness, but we also wanted to have fun and make it enjoyable. I think finding (that balance) really helped bring the team closer together.

“I wasn’t really satisfied with the kind of year I had (individually), but I’m proud of the fact that we created a better mood and chemistry on the team. Plus, it brought me even closer to (younger sister) Eileen (a freshman on the squad), being able to share experiences and memories with her. So I don’t regret anything.”

Like all seniors, Fierke is hoping for the best in the coming weeks as society decides how to handle the COVID-19 pandemic moving forward.

“I was really looking forward to the tennis season and the musical,” said Fierke, who was also in choir and A capella at FDSH. “And with prom and graduation…we just don’t know what’s going to happen or what’s going on. It was going to be a busy spring. Now everything is on hold. But everyone is in the same boat.”

TIMEOUT WITH ELORA FIERKE

Vacation destination: Greece or Italy.

Person I would like to have dinner with: Michael Phelps.

My sports role model: Serena Williams.

My everyday role model: my mom.

I can’t go a day without: my phone.

Nickname: E.

Superstition: I believe in ghosts.

Most heated rivalry: Mason City.

Favorite road trip: University of Iowa.

What are you listening to right now? Summer Walker.

Favorites…

Team: Iowa Hawkeyes.

Class: cooking.

Movie: Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Book: “Brutal” by Michael Harmon.

Phone app: TikTok.