Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Fort Dodge junior Noah Daniel is one of the state’s top sprinters. Daniel was a Class 4A participant in both the 100- and 200-meter dashes in Des Moines last year.

Nik Moser grew up around the Dodger Relays, and on Monday, he will coach the Fort Dodge Senior High boys in it for the first time.

Moser was by his father’s side when dad led the Dodgers on J.H. Nitzke track, and competed for him on it while he was in school.

Moser served as an assistant coach the last two seasons, and in his third meet as FDSH’s head coach, he’ll be at Dodger Stadium on Monday with both his father and son.

In the 66th annual running of the event, Nik will be flanked by his dad, Sam — a volunteer assistant with the program — and his sophomore son Sam, who will be in the varsity lineup for Fort Dodge — possibly even in the Sam Moser 4×400 to close the evening.

“It’s going to be really cool to have both dad and Sam involved,” Nik said. “I’m very fortunate to have him coaching. It’s not very often you get to be in a track meet with your dad or grandpa. I’m sure Sam will be fired up.

“The Dodger Relays are special for this community. We would love to see them continue to grow.”

Field events begin at 4:30 p.m., with running to start at 5 p.m.

The Dodgers will be joined by St. Edmond, Humboldt, Eagle Grove, Marshalltown, Mason City, Waukee Northwest and Boone.

“This is always a great opportunity to run at home,” Moser said. “The town of Fort Dodge has done a great job of supporting track through the years.”

A lot of work goes into preparation both during the meet and behind the scenes to make sure this meet functions flawlessly.

“The Marshalltown coach talked to me recently and mentioned how much he liked the way the Dodger Relays are run,” Moser said. “We do a good job of making sure everything is done smoothly, and the volunteers are amazing.

“It takes a group effort. The workers do a phenomenal job of putting it all together for the kids and the schools involved.”