Cal Hartman can’t predict the future, so the Fort Dodge senior’s goals for the rest of the wrestling season will remain lofty until the brackets tell him otherwise.

Hartman is embracing a winner’s mentality as the Dodgers prepare for a busy stretch of postseason action between now and Feb. 17. Fourth-ranked and fourth-seeded Fort Dodge heads to Coralville on Saturday for the state dual tournament, with the district meet one week later and traditional state to follow.

“My main goal is to be a state champion,” said Hartman, who is 29-9 overall and currently rated sixth at 190 pounds. “As a team, we really think we have a shot at competing for a traditional team title if we can get our guys down to Des Moines (in two weeks) ready to compete.

“The sense of urgency is there for sure, there but it’s also kind of been nice to slow it down and enjoy every part of it because after this state tournament, I will be done with competitive sports. So it’s been nice to try and soak all that in, too.”

Hartman has prioritized his leadership responsibilities on both the gridiron and the mat in 2023-24. In the fall, Hartman earned all-district and academic all-state honors for FDSH.

The production has always been there. Hartman currently has 110 career wrestling victories, ranking him 22nd on the school’s all-time list. He’s one of just 32 Dodgers ever to reach the 100-win plateau.

In football, Hartman was a two-year varsity starter and co-captain, securing all-league honors both seasons.

The individual attention isn’t what drives Hartman, though.

“I have really tried to help out our entire lineup with anything they may need — especially the kids who don’t train year-round, or maybe aren’t as dedicated (as some of the others),” Hartman said. “I like to try to keep things fun in the room and on the field for everybody to try and make our time together as enjoyable as possible.

“I’ve learned how to motivate and work with all different types of people, and even how to get along with people you may not (naturally) see eye-to-eye with.”

Hartman has enjoyed his time as an FDSH athlete, and wants to make the most of his opportunities as the home stretch approaches.

“Being a Dodger means you carry around a certain pride,” Hartman said. “Going out there and competing and scrapping the best you can every time.

“I would like coaches, teammates, teachers and parents to remember me as a hard-working, nice kid. As long as I can leave that (legacy), I will be proud of what I did on the field, mat and classroom.”

TIMEOUT WITH CAL HARTMAN

Vacation destination: Alaska.

Person I would like to have dinner with: Joe Rogan.

It would surprise people that I: can solve a Rubik’s Cube.

My sports role model: Kirk Cousins.

Superstition: following the same warm-up routine before every match.

Most heated rivalry:

Webster City in football.

Favorite road trip: Colorado.

What are you listening to right now? Morgan Wallen.

Favorites…

Team: Minnesota Vikings.

Class: iJag.

Movie: Step Brothers.

Book: Dan Gable’s autobiography.

Phone app: Clash of the Clans.