Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Junior Karlee Pearson of Fort Dodge has qualified for the girls state swim meet.

AMES — The bus ride home was a little nerve wracking for Karlee Pearson.

The Fort Dodge girls swim team had just competed in a regional meet, and the Dodgers were waiting to hear if their times had earned them state berths.

It was a sigh of relief and breath of fresh air when the Fort Dodge junior found out she had advanced.

“I was really excited when I heard that I qualified for state,” Pearson said. “We were in the school van coming back home from Ames refreshing our screens the whole way home when the news came across that I made the state cut.”

Pearson was able to keep the program’s streak alive, as the Dodgers have now punched at least one state ticket in 12 straight seasons.

Pearson qualified for the 100 breaststroke next weekend in Iowa City. She clocked a time of 1:12.95, earning the 30th spot in the state event.

“Going into the meet I felt a little bit nervous, but we prepared well as a team, so I was excited to get out and compete,” Pearson said. “Trusting God really helped me out. I knew whatever the results were, it’s all a part of His plan.”

Pearson was the only qualifier for the Dodgers, who were also close in the medley relay as well as with senior Gracie Harvey.

“We were really nervous for the results to come out, being in this tough regional,” said FDSH head coach Ashley Beaumont. “It’s been an amazing year for Karlee and a new experience across the board.

“Qualifying for state shows her dedication.”

Harvey was fourth in the 100 butterfly in regionals, touching the wall in 1:04.41.

The quartet of Nora O’Connor, Pearson, Harvey and Teagan Loots placed sixth in the 200 medley at 2:02.13.

“We swam really well; 11 of 17 girls dropped times,” Beaumont said. “They worked hard and a lot just missed the cut.”

This was the last time in the pool for seniors Harvey and Janelle Chada.

“Gracie is disappointed she wasn’t able to make it her senior year,” Beaumont said. “She will be by Karlee’s side to help cheer her on, though. She has practiced with Karlee and they both pushed each other all year.

“Janelle was a great leader for our JV team. She showed that everyone matters, and she always carried a positive attitude.”

The state meet is Thursday and Friday in Iowa City.

“I’m really honored to be going to state and to help keep the streak going for Fort Dodge Senior High,” Pearson said. “Coach Ashley and (assistant) Coach Charity (Vogel) really helped me prepare for this event all season.

“My teammates have helped encourage, motivate and make every meet fun, no matter the result.”