Terry Rolfe's swimming career has always been uncertain at best -- and never more than last year.

Rolfe, then a junior at Newcastle, was the defending state champion in the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke. But on the first day of practice, Rolfe was one of only two Dogies to show up.

That didn't stop him. He practiced in Newcastle during the week, then on the weekends, he joined up with the Buffalo Bison and wherever they were headed.

He got the chance to defend his state championships and did just that, winning the 100 free and 100 back again while helping Buffalo -- normally a rival to Newcastle in the pool -- to a fourth-place finish at state.

This year, the Dogies resurrected their own program, and Rolfe has never been swimming better. Entering the Class 3A Wyoming State High School Swimming and Diving Championships, which start Thursday in Gillette, Rolfe has the top qualifying time in six of the eight swimming events (200 free, 200 IM, 50 free, 100 free, 100 back, 100 breaststroke). In the other two, Rolfe is close to the top -- he's qualified fourth in the 500 free and fifth in the 100 butterfly.

The only drawback is that he can only swim in two individual events at state. But no matter where he swims this weekend, Rolfe is sure to impress.

And it makes it all the more worthwhile that he gets to do so while wearing a Dogies swim cap.

Posted by patrick.schmiedt@trib.com