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FDSH hosts 62nd Dodger Relays

Teams will be looking to solidify their Drake Relays positions this week, beginning with the 62nd running of the Dodger Relays on Monday at the J.H. Nitzke Track in Fort Dodge.

Action begins with field events at 4:30 p.m. Races start at 4:45 inside Dodger Stadium.

Home-standing Fort Dodge will be joined in Class A by Waukee, Mason City, Marshalltown and Des Moines East. Class B features the St. Edmond Gaels, as well as area squads Humboldt and Eagle Grove. Boone rounds out the field.

Dodger boys track coach John McBride said his athletes have been looking forward to their lone home appearance this spring — now more than ever.

“The kids are really excited, especially after missing last season,” said McBride, who is in his 14th and final season at the helm. “Obviously you always get fired up to run in front of your home crowd, but especially this season, now that everyone understands this is all a privilege and not a given.

“For a lot of these seniors, it will be the last time they’ll represent Fort Dodge in a Dodger uniform inside the Stadium.”

The field is smaller than usual, due to both the pandemic and proximity to other meets with the Drake Relays right around the corner. The cutoff is this Thursday for the event, which is April 22 only at Drake Stadium in Des Moines for high school qualifiers.

“We lost some teams, which is understandable given the circumstances,” McBride said. “It’s disappointing to not have a full field, but that’s been happening a lot (this spring). It’s tough to try and get everyone on the same page.”

The silver lining is being able to include Classes A and B together in races.

“I think it’s going to be great for us to face St. Edmond in certain events, for instance. They have some really good relay teams,” McBride said. “Or a guy like Quinton Orr (of Humboldt) being able to see Waukee’s (distance runners). We’ll seed everyone together and run heats like it’s a one-class meet, but then score it out and divide up (the A and B teams).

“It gives all of the kids the ability to compete against each other and get faster.”

There will be no limitations on attendance, though face coverings will be required inside Dodger Stadium. Fans will be designated to the west side of the stands, with athletes and teams on the other.

62ND DODGER RELAYS

(Monday at Dodger Stadium)

Order of field events (4:30 p.m.)

High Jump; discus; shot put; long jump.

Order of running events (4:45)

Sprint medley relay; 3200 meter run; Rod Riessen 4×800 meter relay; Shuttle hurdle relay; 100 meter dash; distance medley relay; 400 meter dash; 4×200 meter relay; 110 meter hurdles; 800 meter run; 200 meter dash; 400 meter hurdles; 1600 meter run; 4×100 meter relay; Sam Moser 4×400 meter relay.

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