-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Noah Daniels of Fort Dodge compete in 4A boys 200 dash inside Drake Stadium

Noah Daniel is in the home stretch of his career as an already-decorated Fort Dodge Senior High athlete.

The senior would like nothing more than to reach a whole new level at the state track and field meet this week and cement his status as an elite prep performer.

For the third consecutive year, Daniel has reached the Class 4A state field individually in both the 100- and 200-meter dash. The future University of Iowa football player has slowly but surely climbed the ladder, placing 17th and 19th, respectively, as a sophomore in 2024, then 15th and 12th last spring.

The next step is to advance out of the preliminary round, which will be Thursday at 11:10 a.m. (200) and 1:13 p.m. (100) at Drake Stadium in Des Moines.

“My goal heading into this last week is to compete as hard as I can, (hopefully) make the finals and just give it my all in my last (competition) as a Dodger,” Daniel said.

Daniel is seeded 13th in the 200 and 15th in the 100 based on state-qualifying meet times. In sprint events, though, so many little factors determine results and final placement.

Daniel is looking to become Fort Dodge’s first medalist in either event since Cray Washington’s state title run in the 100-meter dash 11 years ago.

Daniel will also be a part of the Dodgers’ state-qualifying 4×100- and 4×200-meter relay teams. He will join classmate Taevon Feeley and juniors Sam Moser and Kyree Rochon in the 22nd-seeded 4×1, and Feeley, Moser and junior Will Jones in the 10th-seeded 4×2.

In less than two weeks, Daniel will be moving to Iowa City to start summer training with the Hawkeye football program. Daniel chose Iowa over offers from Central Michigan, North Dakota, North Dakota State and South Dakota, among others.

“I’m really looking forward to playing at Kinnick and meeting new people,” Daniel said. “But I’ll definitely miss all of my teammates and friends here that I’ve grown up with.

“Some of my favorite memories are from playing football on Friday nights, track meets, and just hanging around and being with my family and friends.”

Daniel was a three-time all-district performer in football with the Dodgers, who went 15-5 overall during his last two seasons on the field with a pair of playoff berths. He earned first team all-state status on the gridiron in 2024, but injuries slowed him down this past fall.

Daniel was a multi-faceted talent, filling roles both in the offensive backfield and defensive secondary. He was also a kickoff specialist, taking three returns back for touchdowns as a junior for FDSH.

“Being a Dodger has meant a lot to me,” Daniel said. “I’ve really learned a lot about myself both as an athlete and a person when it comes to discipline and work ethic.”

Vacation destination: Hawaii.

People I’d like to have dinner with: brothers James, Thomas and Samuel.

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

Sports role model: Brian Branch

Everyday role model: Jesus

Can’t go a day without: Working out

Nickname: Bear

Superstition: eating Jimmy John’s before every game.

Most heated rivalry: with my brothers.

Favorite road trip: North Carolina with the family.

What I’m listening to right now: “Piano Man” by Billy Joel.

Favorites…

Team: Iowa Hawkeyes.

Athlete: Max Holloway

Class: Outdoor Rec.

Movie: Real Steel.

Binge watch: Outer Banks.

Favorite book: The Outsiders.

Favorite phone app: Instagram.