On Saturday, the Minot High boys swim team will look to add another state title banner to its already illustrious collection.

A state championship victory would give Minot its 29th title in program history, including four in a row. Meanwhile, one of the club’s top swimmers, senior Dominic Yoder, looks to win his second consecutive state championship in the 100-yard backstroke event.

Heading into state, Yoder’s backstroke time of 54.58 seconds at the WDA Championships on Feb. 27 not only won the race, it qualified as a first-team all-state finish. The highly accomplished senior was one of 10 Minot swimmers who was named to this year’s all-conference team, and he also was named the WDA Senior Athlete of the Year in 2021.

According to Yoder, he says the first-team all-state time represents he is on pace with his overall goals. Meanwhile, Yoder says his individual success is largely due to the overall skill and talents of the team.

“I think the key is just staying on pace with where I need to be,” Yoder tells The Minot Daily News. “We have a motto on the team that practice makes performance, so as long as we keep getting in quality work in practice, it will translate into good performances for the entire team. We really perform as a family out there.”

The Minot upperclassman says he not only would like to help the Magi win its 29th state title, but also wants to establish a new state record in the backstroke. In order to achieve these lofty goals, Yoder insists his mindset will remain the same as it has always been; one of exceptional focus.

“I’ve just got to go out there and have a big performance. As long as I can stay within the mindset of swimming, I think I will do well,” Yoder adds.