Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Fort Dodge senior Gracie Harvey competes during the annual FDSH Gary Winkler Invitational on Saturday in the Dodger pool. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

Every year, the Fort Dodge girls swim program honors its long-time head coach by paying tribute during the Gary Winkler Invitational in the Dodger pool.

Current coach Ashley Beaumont knows Winkler’s illustrious track record well. He was at the helm when the girls’ program officially started in 1972, and remained in charge until his retirement in 1997.

Winkler remained a fixture at the pool as an official and program supporter in the years that followed, even after retiring from teaching in 2010.

“The girls have always been excited to see him, and we make sure (as a program) our kids always know who he is and what he accomplished here,” Beaumont said. “Gary established something special in Fort Dodge, and it’s an honor for us to build from his legacy.

“Gary has been here for the team in so many different ways through the years. This is always a special day for us, not just because it’s our only weekend home meet and our invitational, but it’s a chance to pay tribute to our traditions and reconnect with the decades of leadership Gary has shown. He’s the man behind the name.”

For the 16th consecutive season here on Saturday, the Dodgers hosted their invite in recognition of Winkler. Senior Gracie Harvey was the big winner, earning gold in the 100 freestyle (1:00.35). Junior teammate Karlee Pearson was a runner-up in the 100 breaststroke (1:13.00), while also taking bronze in the 200 individual medley (2:34.32).

“Gracie is so self-motivated,” Beaumont said. “We were trying to figure out the best fit for her (event-wise on Saturday). She told herself that even if she didn’t break a minute (in the 100), she still wanted to get a win and she did that. That’s her first individual (Winkler Invite) medal despite being on multiple relays that have done well here.

“Karlee looks great. She keeps dropping her time in the 100 breaststroke, where she could be a contender for a state spot or more (Pearson’s time for the event is currently in the Top-20). She’s such a positive, hard worker and is very versatile in her skill set.”

Harvey also took fifth in the 50 freestyle (27.27). The Dodgers’ 200 medley relay quartet of Pearson, Harvey, junior Nora O’Connor and junior Breeanna Kalvig was fourth (2:10.17), while the same foursome earned fifth in the 200 freestyle relay (1:57.61).

“It was a great experience for Bree to step up and be on an ‘A’ relay,” Beaumont said. “She did a nice job for us.”

Sioux City Metro (371 points) was the team champ, followed by Spencer (313), Algona, Carroll and FDSH. Bulldog Ella Welp was the 50 freestyle gold medalist (25.95), while also taking the 100 breaststroke (1:11.31).

Winkler was inducted into the Iowa High School Swim Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2005. He was an 11-time district coach of the year, and helped seven Dodgers to individual state titles.

Fort Dodge returns to action at Algona on Thursday.