Next level
Taylor Hartley has left many impressions on the Fort Dodge girls swim program.
The senior added another here Tuesday night, surprising her teammates by signing to continue her career at the University of Iowa next fall.
Fort Dodge honored Hartley along with fellow seniors Chelsea Sayer, Adyson McKinney and Kate Keith on the night, dominating Mason City and scoring a 133-50 dual meet win.
Hartley, who made her announcement following Brittany Kalvig’s victory in diving, joins recent FDSH swimmer Lehr Thorson as NCAA Div. I swimmers. Thorson is currently at Iowa State University.
“I just thought it would be a fun time to do it,” said Hartley, who also surprised her grandparents with the announcement. “I hadn’t told anyone on the team and it was an exciting way for them to find out.
“We were all really excited to swim against Mason City and I think it just helped us keep the momentum going.”
In the pool, Hartley captured both the 200 individual medley and 100 breaststroke races. She was also on the 200 freestyle relay and 400 freestyle relays.
Hartley posted a time of 2:14.60 to win the I.M. by six seconds ahead of her sister, freshman Grace Hartley. She had a time of 1:02.69 in the butterfly.
As for her future, Hartley was completely impressed with the Hawkeye program upon making her visit. She plans to enter into the dentistry program for academics.
“It was just a perfect fit,” said Hartley, who also toured ISU. “They have a really good undergrad program and I was able to check out the dentist school while I was there.
“The team environment was great and everyone was super welcoming. I also like their goals as far as the Big Ten is concerned for swimming.”
Luanne Xiao, Elora Fierke and Madigan Peimann were also double event winners. Xiao claimed the 200 free (2:07.72) and 100 free (57.03); Fierke the 50 free (27.47) and 100 breaststroke (1:11.49); and Peimann the 500 free (5:29.87) and 100 back (1:02.98).
“I know the girls are tired and sore, but that is what we want to be right now,” FDSH head coach Ashley Beaumont said. “We haven’t backed off the yardage or the workouts, but we are still seeing improvements in the times.
“To get us over the hump, this is what we have to do.”
The 200 medley relay of Peimann, Fierke, Rylie Steinkamp and Morgan Border finished in 1:59.43, while Taylor Hartley, Xiao, Border and Grace Hartley went 1:46.75 to win the 200 free. Xiao, the Hartley sisters and Peimann closed things out with a 3:52.23 in the 400 free.
“I know our times are around the same, but we are working much harder and haven’t had as many recovery days as before,” Hartley said. “I think even though our times aren’t where we want, they will be and everyone will be faster.”
McKinney was a runner-up in the 200 free and 100 free; Keith was second in the 500 free and 100 back; and Grace Hartley finished second in the 100 breaststroke.
Fort Dodge also had first place finishes in junior varsity races from Mackie Poland (200 I.M.), Sydney Crimmins (100 butterfly) and Claire Kienzle (100 breaststroke).
The Dodgers return to the pool Thursday at Spencer against both the Tigers and Carroll.