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Dodgers prepare at a fever pitch

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Fort Dodge boys soccer returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Nathan Rethwisch, Carter DeLanoit, Milo Hamilton and Andrew Alstott. Back: Thornton Aljets, Colby Russell, Adam Pearson, Grant Harrison, Josh Meier and Gavin Schillerstrom.

Joe Jackson is seeing a level of energy and enthusiasm only a year away from the pitch could bring to his Fort Dodge boys soccer program.

The Dodgers are always anxious to get a season started, but the newfound perspective and sense of urgency after missing all of 2020 due to the global pandemic has reached unprecedented heights.

Now it’s time for the execution to match the excitement.

“All of the guys have been really focused on doing their best and giving their all,” said Jackson, who is in his fifth season at the helm. “We’ve talked a lot in practice about how playing is a gift and a privilege — not a right. I’m sure every coach says that. Well now, the kids truly understand it.

“We have a large group of 15 seniors who are really setting the tone. It’s always nice to have that many (12th-graders) on a roster, but especially given what we’re going through now in trying to get back to a sense of normalcy as we knock the rust off.”

Co-captains Josh Meier, Nathan Rethwisch and Carter DeLanoit have all been varsity regulars since their freshman year. Fellow seniors Adam Pearson, Milo Hamilton and Grant Harrison can say the same.

“Josh, Nathan and Carter all bring a level of maturity to the table. They’re basically saying, ‘if we’re going to do this, we need to do it right,'” Jackson said. “They’ve stepped up as leaders so much for their senior seasons. They know what to expect and what is expected of them.

“Adam is our goalkeeper and has shown a lot of growth from his sophomore to his senior year. He’s more vocal and courageous on the field. Grant, Milo, Thornton (Aljets) and Andrew (Kendall) are doing the same. They’ve greatly matured, both physically and mentally. You tend to forget how much an athlete grows from his sophomore to his senior year, especially after not being able to work with them for a full season.”

Current juniors Gavin Schillerstrom and Andrew Alstott were also varsity regulars as freshmen. They’ll be joined by move-in Franco Juarez, who was expected to contribute in 2020 before the season was cancelled.

“Gavin and Andrew provide more upperclass experience,” Jackson said. “They’ll be ready. And Franco has a lot of talent. He grew up in California, and would’ve been on the field for us (last spring).”

Jackson was hesitant to name any of the sophomores or freshmen, adding, “there’s a lot of potential there, but given it’s their first year (of live high school action) and they missed a season, there’s still a lot of work to be done.

“The juniors and seniors are at a level where we’re able to develop our methods of play and advance our strategy. They’re a sharp (collective) group that the underclassmen will be able to learn a lot from as we progress.”

Jackson will be assisted by Brandon Daniels, a former Dodger player who teaches at FDSH.

“Brandon really connects well with the kids,” Jackson said. “He’s enthusiastic and has a good rapport with them.”

Fort Dodge opened with a home scrimmage against Webster City last Friday, which Jackson called “a perfect night with a great crowd and good weather. We really appreciated them coming over and wish them all the best this year.”

The Dodgers’ regular-season debut is at home on Thursday against West Des Moines Valley.

2021 FORT DODGE BOYS SOCCER

Roster

Seniors – Thornton Aljets, Matthew Anderson, Carter DeLanoit, Kamden Gilday-Dube, Kendal Gilday-Dube, Milo Hamilton, Grant Harrison, Andrew Kendall, Hector Martinez Gutierrez, Josh Meier, Ben Meyer, Adam Pearson, Antonio Prates, Nathan Rethwisch, Colin Rodriguez.

Juniors – Andrew Alstott, David Angeles, Jaziel Arellano, Franco Juarez, Ozzie Manuel, Colby Russell, Gavin Schillerstrom, Bo Tracy, Noah Vinsand, Kolby Wilson.

Sophomores – Mikeal Campbell, Donovan Chilel, Ignatius Kirby, Kyle Lumsden, Joshua Madden, Ryan Madden, Nelson Manuel, Jonathan Ortega, Brayden Schmieder.

Freshmen – Brock DeLanoit, Cade Johll, JT Laufersweiler, Omarion Myers-Zimmermann, Parker Schillerstrom, Michael Wagner.

SCHEDULE

April 1 – WDM Valley; 5 – Sioux City North; 9 – at Storm Lake; 13 – at Des Moines Hoover; 16 – Des Moines Roosevelt; 20 – at Johnston; 27 – Ankeny Centennial; 30 – Ankeny.

May 4 – at Ames; 6 – East Sac County; 7 – at Waukee; 11 – Mason City; 13 – at Humboldt; 14 – at Marshalltown; 18 – at Des Moines East.

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