—Submitted photo Fort Dodge’s Nickole (Nikki) Dillard was a two-time state champion for the Dodger track team and was a second team All-State basketball selection after Fort Dodge was the state runner up in 1991.

For nearly 30 years Nickole (Nikki) Dillard’s track records have stood at Fort Dodge Senior High as the state champion sprinter and long jumper is the last Dodger female to win a state title.

Dillard burst onto the scene as a freshman in 1988, placing eighth in the 100-meter dash. The tone changed a year later as she turned from a rookie into a state champion.

The Fort Dodge Hall of Famer was also a standout basketball player for the Dodgers. She was named to the all-tournament basketball team in 1991 when the Dodgers finished as state runner ups.

“I always worked hard and did my best. My sophomore year was no different,” said the 1991 Fort Dodge Senior High graduate. “I remember having a good conference track meet prior to state. At the time, that was the only shot you had to qualify for the state meet. I felt good about going to state, however I remember being nervous too.

“I always felt like I could win, but sometimes it’s just not your day no matter how hard you work and how much effort you give — it just happened to be my day. I was so excited and almost in shock. It took a minute to sink in.”

As a junior Dillard picked up bronze in the long jump and was a qualifier in the 100, setting her up for a memorable run in her final season.

Dillard capped off her Dodger career with her second state championship as the fastest in the 100-meter dash.

“For me, winning the 100 was definitely the highlight of my track career,” Dillard said. “When I won the long jump my sophomore year, it was a treat. Unexpected by most — no pressure just another day at the track. My senior season was the exact opposite.

“I remember feeling the pressure of “expectations“, from myself, my coaches, my teammates, my community — everyone.”

Even with pressure on her shoulders, for Dillard to accomplish what she wanted, she knew what she had to do.

“Like every other season, I put my head down and did the work. It was harder to enjoy the wins because winning brought more pressure,” Dillard said. “The season was winding down and a teammate pointed out to me that I had not lost a single 100-meter final. I was so focused that I had not even noticed. After the disappointment of not making the finals in the 100 at the Drake Relays, I was more determined than ever to win the 100 at state.

“I was ready — I felt no pressure but still had the usual nerves. There was a young lady from Des Moines and she was fast. I wasn’t sure if I would beat her, but I would die trying. It turns out I beat her and it took me a minute to realize that I won. As the race finished I didn’t know that I had won. We were all kind of standing around and a teammate came running up yelling and screaming — I looked at her and said I don’t know. It was at that moment all of the hard work, sacrifice and will to win came full circle. I was leaving the track a state champion — in a photo finish no less.”

As Dillard has had time to look back on her Dodger career, she is proud of her achievements and the friendships she made along the way.

“As I reflect on my track career as a Dodger it makes me smile. As a freshman coming in and immediately working out with the upperclassmen it was intimidating,” Dillard said. “They could have made it hard for me but they accepted me right away. I’m thankful for that. I’ll be the first to admit that track and field is grueling. The work outs were hard, physically and mentally — It’s not glamorous.

“What made it all worth it was the group of ladies that I had there with me through it all. I have great memories of awesome teammates, ones that pushed me to be great. Teammates that provided comic relief when needed — which was often. Almost 30 years later, knowing all that I know now — I would do it all over again.”

On the hardwood Dillard, who was a second team All-State selection in 1991, led the Dodgers in scoring with 273 points.

“I would describe my career as a Dodger basketball player as very rewarding,” Dillard said. “I had some of the best times of my life as a Dodger with the basketball team. There was a group of us that had been playing together since around fourth grade. We did a lot of traveling to play anywhere they would have us.

“By the time we got to high school, the group was smaller but the relationships that we had built over the years were very solid. We had a ball and this helped us to be successful on the court. I loved the “team” concept of basketball. You literally couldn’t do it on your own. I loved being on the court, working as a team towards a common goal.”

Dillard, who was a first team Big 8 Conference player in her final season, had a special campaign in her final days as a Dodger.

“Obviously the most memorable time would be going to the state tournament our senior year. It was the last year of the Big 8 Conference and we had put together a run of wins that landed us in the finals,” Dillard said. “The support of our families, coaches and community was amazing. We just really loved playing basketball. We didn’t win the title, so it was heartbreaking. I was selected for the All-Tournament team, but I would have much rather won the title.

“I can’t talk about Dodger basketball memories without mentioning Dodger Denny (Olson), the world’s best fan and (coach) Mic Julson, the world’s best coach/comedian. A lot of my greatest memories involve them and their enthusiasm for cheering us on. May they both rest in peace.”

After high school Dillard attended Northern Iowa on a full athletic scholarship to play basketball. She was also a member of the Northern Iowa track team competing during the outdoor season.

Dillard is employed at her alma mater in Cedar Falls. She is the Assistant Director of the Opportunity Center TRIO program. The program is funded by the Department of Education and sponsored by UNI. She assists students (typically age 19 and older) with exploring and pursuing educational opportunities.