Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Jon Astor of Fort Dodge is a two-time state discus qualifier.

Jon Astor knows he’ll be up against Class 4A’s elite at the co-ed state meet on Thursday in Des Moines.

Fort Dodge’s senior is a repeat qualifier in the discus, where his distance is ranked 18th for the 11:30 a.m. event inside Drake Stadium. Astor realizes that in order to out-perform his seed and compete with the field, he’ll have to first top his own previous bests.

“My main goal going into state is just to have fun, compete and hopefully beat my personal record of 150 feet,” said Astor, who had a 142-0 at a state-qualifying meet inside Dodger Stadium. “Nothing has changed during preparation time…I just need to stay focused and enjoy the opportunity.

“It’s an unmatched feeling, going out and competing with some of the best throwers in the state.”

Astor’s familiarity with the Fort Dodge athletic arena spans his entire life. His father, Kevin, served as the school’s athletic and activities director and is a long-time coach as well as being a former Dodger standout. His uncle, Darin, was a multi-time state track champion.

Astor’s sister, Lexi, is a former all-state softball player, and his cousins, Beth and Brian Murman, were both state doubles tennis champions. The list goes on and on.

“Being a Dodger is not for everyone,” said Astor, also a second team all-district lineman in football and a basketball letterwinner. “We are expected to show up each day and each performance with grit, integrity, and determination. I have grown up in a home surrounded by successful Dodgers that practice all of these qualities in their athletic careers and daily lives.

“It’s been a lot of fun competing for FDSH through my high school career. Every one of my coaches has pushed me to be as good or better than they were. This has pushed me to work harder and play harder trying to make a name for myself.”

The time spent away from home as a three-sport athlete gave Astor an appreciation for his teammates and the camaraderie of the Dodger community.

“I’ll miss making new memories every game or meet,” Astor said. “We have to travel a decent amount to compete. I feel that when traveling as much and as far as we do, we become more of a family while on the bus rides.”

Astor thanked his line coach in football, Dan Adams, and his track coach, Andy Kavanaugh, for their commitment to helping him become a better athlete and person.

“They’ve both been great help on and off the field during school and at practices,” Astor said. “Of course I can’t forget to mention my dad, who inspires me as an athlete every day (and rejoined the Fort Dodge football coaching staff last fall for Astor’s senior season).”

Astor will be starting in the Iowa Central Community College welding program in the fall, and plans on competing as a thrower for the Tritons’ track and field program — one that he added “my father helped build” as an assistant to Dee Brown in the early-2000s.

“I’m looking forward to starting my next chapter in my hometown.”

TIMEOUT WITH JON ASTOR

Vacation destination: Hawaii.

Person I would like to have dinner with: Adam Sandler.

It would surprise people that I: am good at volleyball.

My sports role model: Tyler Linderbaum.

My everyday role model: my uncle, Darin Astor.

I can’t go a day without: caffeine and Torch.

Superstition: same pregame meal and warmup songs.

Favorite road trip: Mason City; any basketball or football game-day bus rides.

What are you listening to right now? “This Town” by Niall Horan and “Party in the USA.”

Favorites…

Team: Iowa football.

Athlete: Luka Doncic.

Class: welding.

Movie: the “Fast and the

Furious” series.

Book: Outer Banks.

Magazine: Sports Illustrated.

Phone app: Snapchat.