DENISON — Fort Dodge senior Trenton Beck just missed a return to the state bowling tournament for the Dodgers, who competed in a qualifying meet on Tuesday.

Beck shot a 610 series, just missing the eighth spot by eight pins.

The Dodger senior had games of 225, 204 and 181.

“Trenton missing the state tournament by eight pins breaks my heart,” said head coach Julie Ulrich. “He had a tremendous career as a Dodger bowler. Winning a state team title in 2023 as a sophomore, then conference runner up and district champ his junior year and capping it off with a 10th place individual finish at state in 2024.

“We all had high hopes for him making a return trip as an individual for his final year.”

Next in line for Fort Dodge was Slade Babb (573). Babb rolled a 166, 207 and 200. Kody VanValkenburg had a 565 with games of 222, 166 and 177.

Also competing was Blake Seeman (505), Shadin Roach (505) and Josh Jass (460).

The Dodgers shot a 2,507. Denison-Schleswig (3,216) had the top score, followed by Lewis Central (3,073).

The Dodgers struggled early in bakers, averaging 154 over the first 20 games. They rebounded and averaged 193 over the last five games of bakers.

“Each of the Dodgers had their moments as individuals,” Ulrich said. “Slade had a nice series. Kody had a great game and Josh, Blake and Shadin all had at least one good game.

“We lose two varsity seniors in Trenton and Josh Jass. It’s always a tough day when your final day of competition has ended. I know each of the boys loved being a Dodger bowler.”