PLEASANT HILL — Building a family atmosphere is what Joe Jackson strives for on the Fort Dodge cross country teams.

Three of the Dodger head coach’s seniors not able to compete in their final state-qualifying meet here on Wednesday because of COVID-19 restrictions. The soon-to-be graduates still made their presence felt in their own way, though.

After the Dodgers finished their race at Southeast Polk, Dodger seniors Josh Meier, Carter Delanoit, and Alexis Read were on social media, messaging their teammates back at home.

“This was a tough way to go out, but some things you just can’t control,” Jackson said. “This happens in life. You just have to do the best that you can with the hand you’ve been dealt.

“After the race, Josh, Carter and Alexis were Face Timing their teammates. This group is always there pulling for and supporting each other.”

Sophomore Ryan Madden turned in the top performance for the Dodgers, finishing 39th in a time of 18:39.

“Ryan has done a great job. He’s really coming into his own,” Jackson said. “His hard work is paying off. He was watching how Josh put in the time and the difference coming into the year, and now knows what he has to do in the offseason.”

Finishing as counting runners for the Dodgers were freshman Michael Wagner (49th in 20:06), senior Nathan Rethwisch (51st in 21:03), junior Jaren Christy (52nd in 21:04) and freshman Carter Anderson (53rd in 21:51).

The Dodger girls had four runners compete. Senior Isabel Beekman turned in a time of 24:41 for 49th place, followed by senior Piera McBride (51st in 25:31), sophomore Morgan Bodholdt (52nd in 25:48) and junior Hannah Drummond (53rd in 25:53).

“We were down to four (participants) with the girls,” Jackson said. “We ran well, but there were some really fast teams out there running and competing against us.

“They pushed each other and did their best. This is a great group of young men and women.”