Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Karlee Pearson swims for Fort Dodge on Saturday during the Winkler Invitational. For more photos, visit CU.messengernews.net

The annual Gary Winkler Invitational started in style for the Fort Dodge swim team.

First event on the blocks was the 200 medley relay and the Dodgers didn’t disappoint the home standing crowd.

Fort Dodge’s quartet of Julia Eastman, Hailey Vogel, Gracie Harvey and Kylen Lubensky touched the wall in 1:55.80, topping Spencer by four seconds.

“It was pretty awesome to start like that,” said Fort Dodge head coach Ashley Beaumont. “They beat their top time by three seconds.

“It was a sense that we would have a good meet.”

The Dodgers finished third with 296 points. Sioux City (390) won the meet, followed by Spencer (318). Algona (171) was fourth and Carroll (51) was fifth.

The Dodgers added two more individual wins from Hailey Vogel in the annual event that honors long-time FDSH head coach Gary Winkler.

“It’s always wonderful when Gary is here (for the event),” Beaumont said. “The girls are excited to see him and hear his words of encouragement.

“It’s great to hear the home crowd and be in our home pool, which is one of the fastest in the state.”

Vogel once again came out on top in the 50 freestyle, an event she has won all but once this season. She touched the wall in 25.28.

She also won the 100 freestyle in 55.90. Algona’s Ella Welp (57.82) was second.

“Hailey is just enjoying the moment,” Beaumont said. “It’s great to win at your own invite, especially as a senior.

“She is in a good place and is training and pacing herself for regionals.”

Southeast Valley senior Julia Eastman earned two runner-up showings in the 100 butterfly and the 100 backstroke for FDSH. Eastman took silver in the butterfly in 1:00.18 and the backstroke in 1:01.18.

“Julia swam strong and finished second twice to a girl that is a state qualifier,” Beaumont said. “Julia had a great meet.”

Addison Daniel earned a bronze in the 200 freestyle, finishing in 2:14.48.

The quartet of Eastman, Lubensky, Harvey and Vogel finished third in the 200 freestyle relay (1:48.73).

Karlee Pearson, Nora O’Connor, Madison Sullivan and Daniel took third in the 400 freestyle in a time of 4:27.92.

“It was great to see the 400 freestyle get third place,” Beaumont said. “To have a senior like Madison Sullivan get on the podium and earn her first medal at a home event is wonderful.”

Along with Welp’s second in the 100 freestyle, the Bulldogs added three more medals.

State qualifier Reese Taylor won the diving portion of the meet. Taylor accumulated 440.75 points.

Welp added a silver showing to her resume by taking second in the 100 breaststroke (1:12.70).

Natalee Reemstma was second in the 200 IM. Reemstma finished in 2:39.85.

With only four home meets this season, Beaumont is always appreciative of everything that makes the Dodger Pool work during an event like this.

“It’s great to have so many people offer helping hands,” Beaumont said. “I’m so thankful for (head coach) Mason Gotto and the Dodger cheer squad. They are always timers for our home meets. It takes the pressure off of finding someone for that.

“My parents are also wonderful volunteers and help a lot. I’m so thankful for their support.”

The Dodgers are back in action on Thursday when they travel to Perry to face the Jayettes and Algona.