Submitted photo Fort Dodge’s Jonny Bowser and Beth Murman pose with their second consecutive co-ed state tennis title on Tuesday in Ankeny.

ANKENY — Jonny Bowser and Beth Murman both felt empty after their respective state tennis performances this year.

Once the Fort Dodge duo got together for the co-ed state meet here on Tuesday, though, it was just like old championship times again.

Bowser and Murman repeated as Class 2A gold medalists with a 6-2, 6-3 sweep of Iowa City West’s Abby Jans and Cole Schneider in the finals at Ankeny Courts. The Dodger tandem completely dominated the field again, sweeping through five consecutive opponents for the second consecutive year without dropping a single set.

”We just wanted to go out there, have fun, try not to force anything and do our best,” said Bowser, a senior who has now been a part of three doubles championships at FDSH. ”It’s great to end my career as a Dodger like this. I love this program; I feel like I’ve been a part of it my whole life (Bowser has three older brothers and an older sister who played for Fort Dodge).

”I can’t thank Beth and our tennis community enough for this one last moment.”

The championship extends a golden era for Dodger athletics. Fort Dodge Senior High has now earned 16 state championships in the last 28 months, with tennis being among the most prominent programs profiled. In addition to Murman and Bowser’s two titles, Murman teamed with Jaci Cochrane to earn a doubles championship a year ago. In 2015, Bowser and Murman’s older brother, Brian, were state doubles winners on the boys’ side.

The Dodger tennis program has seven state titles since 2005, with the aforementioned performers being joined by Cochrane (girls singles, 2013), David Knight (boys singles, 2010), and Mitch Eslick and Lucas Boyd (boys doubles, 2005).

Bowser was fourth for the second straight year at individual state this season. Murman qualified on the girls’ side, but did not place,

”We had a lot of confidence after what happened last year, but we knew nothing was a given,” said Murman, a junior. ”We’ve never been overly worried about winning or losing (in each match) — just going with the flow and letting our play speak for itself.

”Jonny and I have a special chemistry together on the court. It helps that we’ve known each other and played together since we were little. We have (similar dispositions and games); I think that just makes us click and tough to beat.”

Bowser and Murman eliminated Dubuque Hempstead’s Kari Houlihan and Alex Ahlrichs (6-0, 6-0); Ankeny Centennial’s Michelle Nitschke and Tanner Boes (6-2, 6-0); Ames’ Chloe Wilson and Tyler Wierson (6-1, 6-2); and Emma Koch and Jack Wenzel of Iowa City West (6-3, 7-5) to reach the finals.

Bowser and Murman are the first two co-ed champs in Fort Dodge tennis history. Lucas Boyd and Hilary Cochrane were second in 2006, and Bowser’s brother, Daniel, placed third with Molly Eslick in 2007.

”I’ve dreamed about being a Dodger for as long as I can remember,” Bowser said. ”After growing up watching my (older siblings) from the sidelines, I remember feeling (as a freshman four years ago) like it was finally my time.

”The support has been awesome. Beth and I have been very lucky to be a part of this and to represent Fort Dodge tennis in this way.”

Murman added, ”winning state titles is obviously the ultimate goal of an individual (competitor), but the friendships and relationships we’ve been able to build through Dodger tennis means even more. That’s what it’s always been about: family. That’s bigger than any win or title to all of us.”