“These kids get along great,” Jackson said. “Some of them have been quiet until school starts and then they have hit it off right away.”

Jackson is hoping the numbers rise in the programs as student athletes are finding a way to get outside.

“We’ve got a lot of runners out for enjoyment,” Jackson said. “We didn’t have a lot of miles this summer, but this group comes in uninjured and we can take it from there. We have some first time runners who had a half-marathon class and are trying the sport out.

“Regardless of why the kids are here, they have been — and are willing — to work hard.”

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Fort Dodge girls cross country letterwinners are (left to right): Lexi Fellers, Morgan Bodholdt, Dari Cook, Briley Frank and Aja Jallow.

The boys return four letterwinners from last year’s group. Seniors Jaren Christy and Bo Tracy, along with junior Ryan Madden and sophomore Michael Wagner, were top runners for the Dodgers a year ago.

“Ryan is our top runner and a great worker,” Jackson said. “Michael is just behind him. They are leading the pack right now.”

Jackson has a number of other runners he is looking to produce in the days and weeks to come.

“Jaren is moving up and he will be up there,” Jackson said. “Freshman Micah Flaherty has been showing great progress early on.

“Also vying for a varsity spot is Franco Juarez. Franco played soccer for me last year and gave us 90 solid minutes of playing and we will see that in cross country as well. Tanner Teske (freshman) along with Bo, who was a workhorse on the soccer field (last spring), make this a good group.”

Returning letterwinners for the girls are seniors Lexi Fellers and Aja Jallow, junior Morgan Bodholdt, and sophomores Dari Cook and Briley Frank.

“We have some great gals with Morgan and Dari, who are our top returning runners,” Jackson said. “Right behind them are Lexi and Olivia (Hamlow). Hamlow had leg issues, but she is recovered and close to 100 percent now.

“We have an assortment of freshman girls coming out and we are getting them up to speed.”

Jackson likes the fact that he has a mixture of experienced runners to go along with the newcomers.

“Our group can learn the way we want them to run,” Jackson said. “We want to teach them not to come out (of the chute) overly fast and learn what their body can handle. Learn about pace.

“Guys like Michael and Ryan are able to push it a little more and see where they can go.”

The Dodgers open the season on Tuesday at the Webster City Invitational.

“Webster City is a nice race where we see a lot of teams from around the area,” Jackson said. “This is a good race for our young team to see where we are at before we get into the CIML and face state qualifying teams.

“Humboldt, Algona and Webster City always have great runners when we compete and race against them.”

Jackson will be assisted by Shelby Curry. Karine Feddersen and Joel Greathouse are the middle school coaches.

GIRLS ROSTER

Seniors — Tavia Geilenfeld, Lexi Fellers, Aja Jallow, Meadow Balkenende.

Juniors — Morgan Bodholdt, Olivia Hamlow.

Sophomores — Dari Cook, Briley Frank, Maddie Lee, Katie Rodamaker.

Freshmen — Tristan Holst, Paige Lewis, Stephan Madeline.

BOYS ROSTER

Seniors — Vincent Pagdatoon, Jaren Christy, Bo Tracy, Kolby Wilson, Franco Juarez, Nicolas Shatleh.

Juniors — Alexander Hansen, Michael Miller, Ryan Madden, Joshua Madden, Brayden Schmeider.

Sophomore — Michael Wagner.

Freshmen — Tanner Teske, Carter Sassman, Micah Flaherty, Brady Major, Shawn Roberts.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 31 — at Webster City Invitational.

Sept. 9 — at Marshalltown Invitational; 20 — at Humboldt Invitational; 27 — at Algona Invitational.

Oct. 7 — Fort Dodge Invitational; 14 — at Ankeny Centennial Invitational.