MARTINS FERRY — As it pertains to the OHSAA State Swimming and Diving Championship, Martins Ferry senior Jarrett Bolinger has been there and done that.

However, while the experience is a plus, it’s never an accomplishment to take for granted.

“When I first started swimming in high school, I knew (reaching the state) once was going to be a challenge because the state of Ohio is one of the toughest states in the entire country for high school swimming, so be able to go multiple times is just crazy.”

Not just multiple times. After last weekend’s district meet at Ohio State University, Bolinger qualified for the state meet for the third time in his illustrious career.

“My freshman year, things didn’t go well, and I think part of that was being the new guy and just trying to get a grasp of what the actual competition felt like,” Bolinger said. “But, since then, (my career) has been a heck of a ride. I’ve worked so hard and it’s exciting to see that work pay off by going to the state meet again.”

Bolinger will visit the Branin Natatorium in Canton Thursday evening, taking part in the Division II 100 freestyle after he finished second in the district to garner an automatic bid.

The Division II meet begins at 5 p.m. and the top 16 placers in the qualifying round will return to the same pool 24 hours later for the ‘A’ and ‘B’ finals.

“I just have to go out and give it my all,” Bolinger noted.

Bolinger comes into the state meet seeded 24th out of 24 competitors thanks to his 49.17 from the district.

“My personal record is 48.9, so if I can swim that, I’ll put myself in the hunt to qualify (to the final),” Bolinger said. “(Thursday) is potentially my last high school race, so that’s the approach I have to take. I wouldn’t want to go out with anything other than my best effort.”

The opportunity to swim the freestyle is “bittersweet,” according to Bolinger. His previous appearances have both come in the 100 breaststroke.

“I knew guys, throughout the season, in my district had been holding back a little bit (in the breast),” Bolinger explained. “When I looked at the 100 free, I really saw five guys who could honestly finish first or second, depending on the day. I just used my early speed and start to kind of set the tone for the race.”