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ANKENY -- The season didn't end the way that Fort Dodge swim coach Ashley Beaumont wanted it to, but there were plenty of positives to take from the 2026 campaign.
The Dodgers competed in a regional meet on Saturday, but they were unable to punch a state ticket.
"I'm extremely proud of our group that is young overall with mostly freshmen and sophomores," said Beaumont. "We had a number of best times (Saturday). There were only one or two events that didn't have the best times of the year."
Karlee Pearson earned the top performance for the Dodgers, placing sixth in the 100 breaststroke in a time of 1:13.35. Kylen Lubensky had the other top individual showing, going ninth in 500 at 5:55.28.
Both Pearson and Lubensky are seniors at Manson Northwest Webster.
"Kylen and Karlee swam incredibly this season," Beaumont said. "I'm proud of the way they competed. I just wish it was a different ending for them."
The 200 medley relay team of Lubensky, Pearson, Clara Brown and Makayla Knox placed seventh in a time of 2:03.64. That same quartet was eighth in the 200 freestyle in 1:49.77, and they also finished eighth in the 400 freestyle in 4:12.23.
Lubensky, Pearson, Teagan Loots, Danica Diedrick and Breeanna Kalvig swam their last meet as Dodgers on Saturday.
"Karlee, Kylen and Teagan were great leaders," Beaumont said. "All five seniors had an impact on this group.
"They all had such positive attitudes."
Beaumont had one of her bigger groups overall. The FDSH program shares with several area schools.
"It's awesome to be able to do that. We added two more schools this year (Newell-Fonda and Clarion-Goldfield/Dows)," Beaumont said. "When they get to the pool, they’re all Dodgers.
"The (commuting) is a lot, but they find out it's worth it. We created a team with these girls and it's a great atmosphere and environment to see."