-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Madigan Peimann of Fort Dodge compete in the 200 freestyle earlier this season.

The Fort Dodge swim team may not be large in numbers, but has come up big in talent.

The Dodgers, who are 19 swimmers strong, have put together a banner season, winning nine duals and swimming some of the fastest times in the state.

Fort Dodge will host a regional swim meet today in the Dodger pool, with event champions earning automatic berths.

Action begins at noon.

Joining the host Dodgers will be eight-time defending state champions Ames, Algona, Boone, Carroll, Perry, Sioux City Metro, Spencer, Storm Lake and Waterloo East.

“For as small of a team as we have, they have blown way past my expectations,” said Fort Dodge head coach Ashley Beaumont. “We have one of the best records that we’ve had since I’ve been here.

“They’ve pushed for big time drops and have swam some events that they’re not comfortable in just to help the team.”

With the champions advancing to state, there is a state standard time that will qualify swimmers as well as standard times and fast times at regional meets to fill 32 spots. All events will be timed finals.

“Ames is the best team in the state and it’s a good things our girls can see them before state,” Beaumont said. “They can swim against them and they’ll be able to push them to better times at state.”

The Dodgers have been led by a quartet of state qualifiers, senior captains Madigan Peimann and Elora Fierke, alongside school record-holder Grace Hartley, a junior. Rylie Steinkamp also returns for Fort Dodge, who qualified for 10 state events.

Freshman Eileen Fierke has made a huge impact for the Dodgers in her rookie season.

“We have great leaders on this team,” Beaumont said. “Elora and Madigan have shown some the younger girls how to push throughout the season, while leading the way.

“Grace has been very strong and has swam with confidence. Eileen has had an amazing season and will be competing for a top spot at regionals.”