×

CHANGING A CULTURE

Dodger record-holder Hartley helps anchor program’s renaissance

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Taylor Harley of Fort Dodge competes earlier this season in the Dodger pool against Mason City.

When Taylor Hartley was a freshman, she helped the Fort Dodge Senior High girls swim team win a single relay event during a weekday meet against a CIML opponent.

The specifics have all been lost in the shuffle, but Hartley will never forget the reaction of her older teammates. It was a moment that keeps the Dodger star both motivated and appreciative to this day.

”They were so excited just to (earn a victory in an individual event),” said Hartley, now a senior captain. ”I didn’t really understand it at the time, but it’s fun to look back (with a sense of perspective) and see both how far we had come just to get to that point again, and how much we’ve improved (in the last four years) to be where we are now.”

Hartley has been a mainstay during FDSH’s era of resurgence. She is the program’s record holder in four individual events — the 100, 200 and 500 freestyle and the 200 individual medley — while also being a member of the Dodgers’ 200 and 400 freestyle relay all-time bests. The University of Iowa-bound swimmer is heading into the home stretch of her prep career, with the regional meet this Saturday in Ankeny and state on Nov. 4 in Marshalltown.

”We’ve really pushed ourselves (collectively) more in workouts, which maybe hasn’t resulted in as many broken records or time drops (as a year ago) to this point,” Hartley said. ”But we’re in great shape (physically and mentally) heading into the championship season. We’re all looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish.

”I think we’re kind of flying under the radar right now. We’re going to have some good times (at regionals and state). I’m excited for the opportunity, given it’s my last chance (as a senior). I really want to go out with a bang.”

Hartley received plenty of Div. I looks, but the Hawkeye program was ”exactly what I’d been looking for, both in a team and the school itself.”

”I liked the chemistry (on the squad), and the environment and energy it creates,” said Hartley, who carries a perfect 4.0 grade point average. ”The academics were obviously important too, and basically the deciding factor for me.”

The commitment to the sport at the next level was never in doubt for Hartley, who added, ”I just can’t picture my life without swimming.”

”I don’t know what I’d do without it,” said Hartley, who plans on majoring in nutritional science before going to dental school at UI. ”It helps me manage my time and stay in shape. By my sophomore year, I knew it was something I wanted to try in college. I’m hoping to go as far as I can with it, because it’s something I really love to do.”

Hartley, who will compete in the 100, 200 and 500 freestyle relays on Saturday as well as the 200 and 400 free relays, said the ascension of the Dodgers — FDSH placed 12th at state last season, its highest standing since 1990, after not qualifying a single event from 2009-13 — is something she will always hold near and dear to her heart.

”The growth of this program really happened because of the culture and support of our school and community,” said Hartley, who placed in the Top-10 at state a year ago in both the 200 and 500. ”We’re all very proud of who we are, where we come from, and the fact that it took all of us (collectively) to bring the program back (on the state scene).”

Vacation destination: Italy.

People I would like to have dinner with: Natalie Coughlin, Missy Franklin, Michelle Obama.

It would surprise people that I: really like art and being creative.

My sports role model: Natalie Coughlin.

My everyday role model: my parents.

I can’t go a day without: taking a nap.

Nickname: Tay-Tay or Tay.

Superstition: doing the same stretches before every race.

Most heated rivalry: Wes Des Moines Valley.

Favorite road trip: Ames Invitational sohpomore year.

What are you listening to right now? the radio.

Favorites…

Team: Iowa Hawkeyes.

Class: painting.

Movie: The Proposal.

Book or Magazine: The Rosie Project.

Phone app: Instagram.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today