Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Carson Peterson of Fort Dodge makes a catch at McNeil Field.

Carson Peterson gave his all as a Dodger, whether on the football diamond, baseball field or basketball court.

The recent Fort Dodge Senior High graduate always stayed flexible in his approach to each season, showing both versatility and selflessness while earning all-CIML recognition multiple times.

“I think playing multiple sports helped me as an athlete in being able to do different things and play (a variety of) positions in football and baseball,” Peterson said.

Peterson was a four-year starter in baseball, where he recently earned both all-CIML Iowa and all-district recognition. He amassed a career varsity pitching record of 15-8, while improving his batting average every summer. In 2022, Peterson hit .324 with 29 runs scored and 24 RBI.

Over the course of his high school career, Peterson played all nine positions in the field at one time or another.

Peterson was also a two-time all-district selection in football. He was the starting quarterback as a junior for Fort Dodge, then a receiver and a defensive back last fall. He led the Dodgers in interceptions.

In basketball, Peterson started for three consecutive seasons.

“I think my high school career was (productive), given I started in all the sports I played but I was involved in things like Dodger Senate,” Peterson said. “If I had it to do again, I would do the same but start Senate earlier.”

Now that he’s graduated, Peterson — who will attend Iowa Central Community College and plans on pursuing a welding degree — encourages younger athletes to embrace each moment as it comes and make as many memories as possible along the way.

“Enjoy the time that you have with your friends and not to let any of the negatives get you down. Smile through it,” Peterson said. “I hope people say that I put a smile on their face if they were having a down day. Just making people happy.”

TIMEOUT WITH CARSON PETERSON

Vacation destination: the Bahamas.

Person I would like to have dinner with: Tom Brady.

It would surprise people that I: love chess.

My sports role model: Tom Brady.

I can’t go a day without: a nap.

Nickname: Petey or Pete.

Superstition: eating the same meals on game days.

Most heated rivalry:

Mason City.

Favorite road trip: going to Arizona.

Favorites…

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Heat, New England Patriots.

Class: math and science.

Movie: Fast and the Furious series.

Book: “Geese Are Never Swans.”

Phone app: Instagram.