Haley Vogel and Julia Eastman have been mainstays of the Fort Dodge girls swimming program for years now.
The 2024 campaign will revolve around how the longtime teammates perform in the pool and what legacy their class will leave behind from the pool.
“It’s bittersweet knowing this is the last of our seniors.” “They’ve already done so much for our team, our school and our community,” FDSH head coach Ashley Beaumount said. “They’ve always been a really strong team that works hard and wants to get better.”
“I’m excited to watch them take that next step (this fall).”
Vogel and Eastman, both Southeast Valley High School students, are among six swimmers returning with state meet experience. Seniors Delaney O’Connor and Addison Daniel have also advanced previously, along with junior Gracie Harvey and sophomore Kylen Lubenski.
Vogel and Eastman, in particular, have shown continued success at the elite level: Last November, for the second consecutive year, they competed in two individual events and two relay events at the state meet, with Vogel finishing in the top 10 in the 50-meter freestyle.
“They both have their sights set on the (school record) board.” “Haley is already one of the fastest 50m freestyle athletes, but she wants to achieve even more before it’s all over,” Beaumont said.
“They’ve been state tournament contenders (in their respective sports) for the past two seasons and I think they feel a sense of urgency to perform as well as they can in the coming weeks and months while also leaving their mark as leaders and teammates.”
Both St. Edmond students, O’Connor and Daniel, have been on relay teams for the Dodgers at state championships, and O’Connor is also a diver for FDSH.
“Delaney continues to grow and demonstrates an incredible work ethic.” Beaumont said. “Addison is eligible as a freshman and really wants to return. She’s working hard and is going to be very competitive for us.”
Beaumont said Harvey and Rubenski, a distance-running student at Munson Northwest Webster High School, are ready to take the next step.
“Gracie has been working hard in the off-season and is in great shape heading into this year.” Beaumont said. “Kylen came in as a freshman and proved herself worthy of being on the varsity team. She’s growing and getting better every day.”
Other seniors are Claire Thompson, Madison Sullivan and Annabelle Wolff.
“Claire and Madison bring such positive energy.” Beaumont said. “They always lead with a smile.”It’s contagious.
“We appreciate the leadership of our seniors and the vibe they set as teammates. It’s an individual sport, of course, but team dynamics are important too.”
Sophomores Carly Pearson and Nora Kate O’Connor continued their streak of receiving honorable mentions. Beaumont also offered praise to freshman Aubrey Alstott. “He’s a true leader in the weight room and has demonstrated strong leadership skills (despite only being a ninth-grader).”
“We want to continue to improve every day, that’s all we can do, and that will add up and make a big difference by November.”
Fort Dodge opens the season on Tuesday at Marshalltown. The Dodgers’ home opener is Sept. 10 against Des Moines Roosevelt.
The annual Gary Winkler FDSH Invitational Tournament will be held on September 21st.
2024 Fort Dodge Girls Swimming
Roster
Seniors — Haley Vogel, Julia Eastman, Delaney O’Connor, Addison Daniel, Claire Thompson, Madison Sullivan and Annabelle Wolff.
Juniors — Gracie Harvey, Janelle Chadha.
Sophomores — Kylen Lubenski, Nora Kate O’Connor, Carly Pearson, Teagan Roots and Brianna Kalvig.
Freshmen — Aubrey Alsot, Adeline Meyer and Morgan Townsend.
schedule
Sept. 3 – Marshalltown, 7 – Mason City, 10 – Des Moines Roosevelt, 12 – Algona & Sioux City West, 17 – Ames, 21 – Gary Winkler FDSH Invitational, 26 – Perry.
The Iowa Alliance Conference is held on October 1st – Des Moines Lincoln, 8th – Des Moines East, 10th – Spencer, 14th – Mason City and 24th – Marshalltown.
November 9th – Regional Tournament, 15th-16th – State Tournament.
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