Ocala, Florida, is the destination for Colorado State swimmer Erin Dawson as she prepares to cap off a decorated collegiate career at the National Invitational Championships (NIC), March 12-14. The fifth-year athlete will compete in four events, carrying momentum from a strong showing at the Mountain West Championships where she produced a pair of all-conference swims. This final meet represents a culmination of dedication and perseverance for Dawson, a versatile performer who has consistently elevated her game throughout her time with the Rams.
Dawson’s participation in the NIC underscores her commitment to the sport and provides a platform to showcase her skills on a national stage. Her selection highlights the strength of the Colorado State swimming and diving program and the coaching staff’s ability to nurture talent. The NIC offers a unique opportunity for Dawson to compete against a diverse field of athletes, testing her abilities one last time in a Colorado State uniform.
The three-day competition at the Prompt Facility will see Dawson competing in the 100-yard, 200-yard, and 400-yard individual medleys, as well as the 200-yard backstroke. She recently broke into the program’s top 10 in the 200-yard backstroke at the Mountain West Championships, demonstrating continued improvement even in her final season. The preliminaries for each event begin at 7:30 a.m. Mountain Time, with the finals scheduled for 4 p.m. A live stream of the meet will be available, allowing fans to follow Dawson’s final performances.
Dawson leaves behind a significant legacy at Colorado State, holding school records in both the 200-yard and 500-yard freestyle events. She also ranks second in the 400-yard IM and is a top-10 performer in five different events overall. Her versatility and consistent performance have made her a cornerstone of the Rams’ swimming program.
Dawson’s Event Schedule at NIC
The National Invitational Championships will follow a structured schedule for Dawson:
- Thursday: 200-yard Individual Medley
- Friday: 400-yard Individual Medley
- Saturday: 100-yard Individual Medley and 200-yard Backstroke (races held back-to-back)
Beyond her athletic achievements, Dawson’s impact extends to her academic pursuits. According to her Google Sites profile, she has served as a primary instructor at Colorado State University, teaching courses in Linear Algebra, Calculus, and Math in the Social Sciences. This demonstrates a commitment to education alongside her athletic endeavors. She is also listed on LinkedIn as a Biomedical Sciences Masters Student, showcasing her dedication to furthering her education.
A recent article in The Collegian highlighted the journey of Dawson and other senior swimmers, emphasizing that success rarely follows a straight line. The article noted that Dawson set a pool record of 4:27.64 in the 400-yard IM during a January meet against the University of Northern Colorado. CSU swimming seniors learn success rarely follows straight line
As Dawson prepares for her final competition, she carries with her a wealth of experience and a record of achievement. The NIC represents not just the end of a chapter, but a celebration of a remarkable career. The Colorado State swimming and diving community will undoubtedly be watching and supporting her as she aims to finish strong.
Following the NIC, Dawson will conclude her time as a student-athlete at Colorado State, transitioning to the next phase of her academic and professional journey. Her dedication to both athletics and academics serves as an inspiration to her teammates and the broader university community. Fans can follow the Colorado State Rams swimming and diving team for updates on future competitions and athlete achievements.
