Written by Nathan Manske
The Algona Swim Team season is currently underway. The 2025 squad graduated five swimmers: Reese Taylor, Breanna Abendroth, Mada Steburg, Brooklyn Adams, and Natalee Reemtsma. Reese Taylor was a State qualifier in diving. Algona is returning Ella Welp, Abigail Reemtsma, Keira Frideres, Riley Schechinger, Hannah Dose, and Kinzee Thilges. Ella Welp was a State qualifier in the 100 meter breaststroke. The Bulldogs are hoping to build off of last year and have a better season.
The Dogs had their first swim meet of the season at Spencer on Tuesday, August 25th. They took a tough loss, losing 34 to 133. Welp placed 3rd in the 50 yard freestyle. Also, two spots behind her, Dose placed in 5th. In the 100 yard backstroke, Keira Frideres placed 4th. Ella Welp also placed 2nd in the 100 yard breaststroke. Hannah Dose said, “We tried our best, and we had a lot of fun!”
The ladies had their second meet on Saturday, August 29th. They placed last out of seven great teams. Welp placed 4th in the 100 yard breaststroke. She beat 15 other girls, which were some of the best swimmers in the state. Elness placed 11th out of 17 in the 100 yard butterfly. Overall the Dogs had a strong performance and fought hard against some great teams. Welp stated, “We faced some really good teams with hard competition but showed up strong.”
The Bulldogs faced Boone on Tuesday, September 8th. The Dogs fought hard with not a lot of people and lost 36 to 136. Although they lost, Welp got first place in the 100 yard breaststroke. Ellnes also placed 3rd in the 100 yard butterfly.
The Bulldogs traveled to Fort Dodge on Thursday, September 10th. Next up for the Bulldogs, they travel to Fort Dodge again for a five team tournament Saturday, September 19th.