CEDAR FALLS — Alex Jackson’s stop at Iowa Central Community College before heading to the University of Northern Iowa played a huge roll in his early success with the Panthers.

Jackson, 2015 Fort Dodge Senior High graduate, was a two-time national qualifier for the Tritons. He finished 31st as a sophomore and 16th in his freshman season at the NJCAA meet.

The training under Iowa Central head coach Dee Brown helped Jackson become the performer he is today.

“I would say Iowa Central prepared me incredibly well for Northern Iowa, both mentally and physically,” Jackson said. “The positive, hard-working atmosphere at Iowa Central helped me develop mental toughness as well as a well-trained body, so it has translated well as I’ve started my career at UNI.”

Jackson, who has been fighting through an early-season injury, got his first start for the Panthers last week. He finished 10th in his first Division I race.

“Heading into the first meet, I wasn’t necessarily expecting anything spectacular,” Jackson said. “I’ve been struggling with a hip injury, and this was my first meet as a Panther, so my goal was to run as a pack and keep a consistent pace. I think I did that well, especially for the brutal conditions (it was a hilly course with temperatures soaring to the high 80s).”

The UNI junior was just happy to be back in action on the course in Madison, Wis.

“I definitely knew coming into UNI that I could contend for a top spot on the team, and my workouts during practices have been with the front groups,” Jackson said. “So I wasn’t surprised by where I finished. My teammates, Ethan Smith and Logan Murray, did a fantastic job of making sure I stuck with them through the tough points of the race, and the three of us finished within five seconds of each other.

“I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Jackson, a three-time state qualifier at FDSH, placed fifth in his final season as a Dodger. His decision to attend Iowa Central prepared him for life as a collegiate runner.

“Training-wise, (Northern Iowa) is incredibly similar to Iowa Central,” Jackson said. “I was blessed to have Coach Brown and Jeremiah Feine at Iowa Central. Now, I’m blessed with coaches David Paulsen and Alex Wilson here at UNI.

“They’re very similar in training plans, which has made the transition incredibly smooth.”

Jackson did not particapate in Friday’s action in South Bend, Indiana.

“With my injury, the season could definitely be going better, but I’m staying positive,” Jackson said. “My teammates and coaches are incredibly supportive, and the athletic department is absolutely fantastic. They’re getting me back on the right track.

“I always rest in my faith during times of injuries, because God always has a plan or a lesson to be learned in every injury. Romans 5:3-5 is my life verse. So although running could be going better, I couldn’t ask for a better place to be during this time in my running career.”