Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Carson Werning of Fort Dodge competes at Family Bowling Center.

Carson Werning’s name will forever be linked to an interesting Fort Dodge Senior High trivia tidbit.

Werning was a freshman on the Dodgers’ state bowling championship squad in 2020. Three years later, as a senior this past winter, Werning was again a key piece as FDSH returned to the Iowa Class 2A winner’s circle.

No other Fort Dodge student-athlete in modern-day history — dating back to the 1940s — has been a member of multiple state title teams in the same sanctioned sport during different seasons.

“Looking back on my high school bowling career, the two state championships are probably what I’m most proud of,” Werning said. “But I’m also very proud of the team we had every year. We always had great team chemistry and were always having fun no matter what.”

Werning, who also lettered in golf and baseball during his time as a Dodger, has been bowling “since I could walk.” He will continue his career next season at Iowa Central Community College.

“I pretty much grew up at the bowling alley with my dad (Vaughn), always going with him to league every Wednesday,” Werning said. “My plans for next year are to attend Iowa Central to study Ag business and also bowl for the Triton program.”

Werning’s busy schedule has paid dividends for him both in the classroom and in the areas of competition.

“Staying active in high school opens up so many great opportunities to learn life lessons through sports, clubs, etc.,” Werning said. “Being involved in multiple sports helped me stay busy from season to season and helped me learn leadership and teamwork that can help me later in life.

“It’s important to stay busy and keep a good schedule because it’s really good for mental health, be on time, and organized. To incoming student athletes, I would say to get involved in as many activities as you can and to always put school work first. If you aren’t on top of it, it can and will catch up to you.”

Werning will always appreciate his high school years in Fort Dodge.

“Being a Dodger means so much to me being able to represent the red and black and our school district in a great way,” Werning said.

TIMEOUT WITH CARSON WERNING

Vacation destination: The Masters.

People I would like to have dinner with: Tiger Woods, Theo Von.

It would surprise people that I: work as a farm hand.

My sports role model: Pete Weber.

My everyday role model: dad.

I can’t go a day without: my phone.

Nickname: Wern.

Favorite road trip: College World Series in Omaha.

What are you listening to right now? Zach Bryan’s “Quiet, Heavy Dreams.”

Go-to song: “Colder Weather” by Zac Brown Band.

Favorites…

Team: New York Yankees.

Athlete: Tiger Woods.

Class: Welding Fab.

Movie: “Oceans Eleven.”

Binge watch: “Friends.”

Magazine: Sports Illustrated.

Phone app: Snapchat.