Both the boys and girls return four letterwinners, and have a lot of returnees who have put forth extra work in the summer months to prepare for the year.

“Both our boys and girls have put in a ton of miles this summer,” Jackson said. “We’ve done some team bonding activities where we split the kids into groups and get to know each other better.

“We are excited to get going and see what we have.”

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

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Fort Dodge Girls XC Returning Letterwinners are, left to right, Madison Carmody, Paige Lewis, Madeline Stephan

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

“Aidan had over 300 miles and is also showing a lot of improvement.”

Major is the lone senior with varsity experience and is planning on finishing strong.

“Brady is working hard, and along with Owen, looking to help be a leader for the team,” Jackson said. “They are focused on being consistent from race to race.

“We’ve had some other guys who have put in close to 150 miles (during the summer).”

Sophomore Conrad Greathouse, junior Jaxson Lowrey-Jones and sophomore Jayce Point will also be in the mix.

“Conrad is wanting to move up and keep improving,” Jackson said. “Jaxson is getting there, too. Jayce is out for track and wants to build his endurance.”

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

“Madden is a very hard worker and is up there with Jayce, wanting to push Cael and Aidan,” Jackson said. “Elijah Lawrence (sophomore) came out and put in the miles. Corban is very enthusiastic about running.”

Also competing for the Dodgers are senior Abraham Fisher and juniors Joshua Shields and Braden Kammerer. Sophomore Brek Pingel and freshmen Myles Summers and William Tyrrell will be in the Dodger camp.

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

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

“Brooklyn has her strength up, and her workouts have been much better.”

Jackson will have a rookie group that he expects to be a big addition as well. Four freshmen have the potential to push for varsity time from the start.

Zoey Balm, Laila Grantham, Paisley Mundie and Linnie Pratt had productive eighth-grade seasons for the Dodgers, and are looking to add the extra mile and transition to the high school ranks.

“We have a great set of freshmen coming in that have worked hard and experienced some success,” Jackson said. “They are making the adjustments and expecting big things to happen.”

Sophomores Ella Johnson and Saiya Noborikawa are also running for the Dodgers.

“Ella is working hard and has some good things going for her first time running,” Jackson said. “Saiya got a lot of miles in and is showing steady improvement.”

Sophomore Parker Gale is nursing a foot injury for the Dodgers.

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

“I’m proud of them. They are great students and do well in their other activities. I think their success will start to carry over as time progresses.”

Jackson will again be assisted by Austin Read.

“Austin and I have been looking forward to this season,” Jackson said. “Austin is a very dedicated runner himself who has competed in the Boston Marathon several times. He’s been doing a great job of putting the workouts together and getting the kids on the same page.

The Dodgers will open the season on Thursday when they compete in the Southeast Valley meet in Gowrie.

Boys action begins at 5 p.m. with the girls to follow at 5:40 p.m.

2024 FORT DODGE CROSS COUNTRY

Boys Roster

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 Roster

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

Aug. 29 — at Southeast Valley (Gowrie).

Sept. 3 — at Webster City; 12 — at Marshalltown; 17 — at Storm Lake; 24 — at Mason City; 30 — at Algona.

Oct. 10 — Fort Dodge Invitational; 16 — at Marshalltown (Alliance Conference Meet).