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Four top performers return for both the boys and girls, and many returnees have put in extra work over the summer months to prepare for the year.

“Our boys and girls have covered a lot of kilometres this summer,” Jackson said: “We did some team building activities where we divided the children into groups and got to know each other better.

“We can’t wait to get started and see what we have.”

Returning on the boys team are senior Brady Major, juniors Aidan Recker and Owen Gruver, and sophomore Cael Hansen.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla. Returning Fort Dodge Girls XC letterwinners are, from left to right, Madison Carmody, Paige Lewis and Madeline Stephan.

“Cael and Aidan put in a lot of work this summer,” Jackson said, “Cael has been working out in the weight room and running over 400 miles. He is focused and wants to do something big this year.”

“Aidan has covered over 300 miles and is also showing great progress.”

Major is the only senior with college experience and plans to graduate strong.

“Brady works hard and wants to take on a leadership role for the team together with Owen,” Jackson said: “They focus on staying consistent from race to race.”

“We had a couple of other guys who did almost 150 miles (in the summer).”

Also participating are sophomore Conrad Greathouse, third-year student Jaxson Lowrey-Jones and sophomore Jayce Point.

“Conrad wants to move up and continue to improve,” said Jackson. “Jaxson is on his way there too. Jayce is on the track and wants to improve his endurance.”

Sophomore Madden Bailey and freshman Corban McHone are also vying for spots.

“Madden is a very hard-working man and is at the top of the list with Jayce. He wants to push Cael and Aidan,” said Jackson. “Elijah Lawrence (sophomore) came out and put in a lot of miles. Corban is very enthusiastic about running.”

Senior Abraham Fisher and juniors Joshua Shields and Braden Kammerer will also compete for the Dodgers. Sophomore Brek Pingel and freshmen Myles Summers and William Tyrrell will be at the Dodger camp.

Returning to the Dodger girls lineup are seniors Madeline Stephan and Paige Lewis and sophomores Madison Carmody and Brooklyn Kaloupek.

“Madison has covered a lot of miles this summer and Madeline and Paige both want to improve,” Jackson said: “Both Maddies are hoping for better times this year after preparing and training in the weight room.

“Brooklyn has gained strength and her training has been much better.”

Jackson will have a rookie group that he expects to be a big addition as well, with four freshmen having the potential to push for playing time on the varsity team right from the start.

Zoey Balm, Laila Grantham, Paisley Mundie and Linnie Pratt played successful seasons for the Dodgers in eighth grade and now want to take it a step further and move on to high school.

“We have a great group of newcomers who have worked hard and achieved some success,” said Jackson. “They make the adjustments and expect big things to happen.”

Sophomores Ella Johnson and Saiya Noborikawa also pitch for the Dodgers.

“Ella works hard and has some good prerequisites for her first running training,” said Jackson. “Saiya has covered many kilometers and is showing steady progress.”

Sophomore Parker Gale is recovering from a foot injury for the Dodgers.

“The whole group of girls is ready to take a significant step forward,” Jackson said, “We’ve gotten great feedback from the coaches in the weight room.

“I am proud of them. They are great students and are successful in their other activities as well. I think their success will continue over time.”

Jackson is again supported by Austin Read.

“Austin and I were looking forward to this season,” Jackson said, “Austin is a very dedicated runner himself, having run the Boston Marathon several times. He did a great job putting together the training sessions and getting the kids on the same page.”

The Dodgers open the season on Thursday when they take part in the Southeast Valley meet in Gowrie.

The boys start at 5:00 p.m., the girls follow at 5:40 p.m.

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Squad Boys

Seniors – Brady Major, Abraham Fisher.

Juniors – Joshua Shields, Aidan Recker, Jaxson Lowrey-Jones, Braden Kammerer, Owen Gruver.

Sophomores – Jayce Point, Brek Pingel, Elijah Lawrence, Cael Hansen, Conrad Greathouse, Madden Bailey.

Freshmen – William Tyrrell, Myles Summers, Corban McHone.

Girls list

Seniors – Madeline Stephan, Paige Lewis.

Sophomores – Saiya Noborikawa, Brooklyn Kaloupek, Ella Johnson, Parker Gale, Madison Carmody.

Freshmen – Linnie Pratt, Paisley Mundie, Laila Grantham, Zoey Balm.

schedule

August 29 – in the Southeast Valley (Gowrie).

September 3 – in Webster City; 12th – at Marshalltown; 17th – at Storm Lake; 24th – at Mason City; 30th – in Algona.

October 10 – Fort Dodge Invitational; 16th – in Marshalltown (Alliance Conference Meet).