Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Fort Dodge boys track and field returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Zeke Pineda, Brett Thompson, Jake Wagner, Amams Harris, Tyler Kasperbauer and Karch Smith. Back: Javion Jondle, Dalton McCuddin, Jonny Astor, Jacob Madden, Jake Erickson, Ty Adams and Connor Carver.

Quennel McCaleb doesn’t just want to teach athletes how to excel in track and field.

The new Fort Dodge boys head track coach wants to create an environment where student-athletes become better people and leaders.

McCaleb takes over the boys track program for John McBride, who announced his retirement last spring after 14 seasons at the helm.

“Coaching is my calling,” McCaleb said. “I had to take some necessary steps to get where I needed to be, but I’m here.

“I want to teach the athletes more about life than just (excelling at) sports.”

The former Dodger standout, who won the Class 4A 200-meter dash in 1998, is ready to share his knowledge and passion both on and off the track.

“God’s gift has always been about me finding a way back,” McCaleb said. “The last time I was in a Dodger uniform, I lost by .01 seconds. As a result, I ran from life because I didn’t know what getting beat was all about or how to handle it.

“The plan has alway been written out to return to this sport.”

McCaleb said his athletes will be signing up for the whole experience, balancing hard work and commitment with plenty of lighter and more enjoyable moments.

“I want kids to have fun,” McCaleb said. “No one wakes up and says they want to run all day, every day. I’m going to bring the energy and teach them the small things.

“Once they see the progress and times starting to drop after fixing the mechanics, that’s how their performance will improve.”

On the first day of middle school track practice this season, McCaleb was there to introduce himself. He considers every athlete a part of his program — not just those currently in high school.

“I’m going to be super active in the track world around here,” McCaleb said. “We have 60 kids out for middle school and I want to start putting up different numbers, so we can get back to having freshman and JV meets, filling out the roster instead of just putting guys in events and hoping for the best.

“We have been having morning workouts at the school with middle school sixth through eighth graders, teaching the fundamentals. (FDMS teacher and coach) Shelby Curry has done a lot to help me.”

McCaleb wants to see his Dodgers understand the boost track provides other sports.

“Track is the base for everyone,” McCaleb said. “(FDSH soccer coach) Joe Jackson has eight kids running, and he has been collaborating with us to go to meets. I have talked with Blake Utley (head Dodger baseball coach) about doing some quick agility and speed training techniques as well.”

McCaleb has already witnessed a change in some of his athletes.

“One student said, ‘I didn’t like track; I’m out because I had to be out. But you pushed me out of my comfort zone.’ That’s a bonus for me to hear,” McCaleb said. “I’m trying some different things…giving these kids a day off for a mental break and getting a few mental hours of work and preparation in, like doing homework or even some yoga.

“Ashley Beaumont (head swimming coach) has collaborated with us and lets us use the pool. It’s great to see 18-year old men chase down a brick in the pool.”

McCaleb inherits a program with 12 seniors. Jake Erickson, Tyler Kasperbauer and Amaris Harris, along with throwers Jonny Astor and Jake Wagner, will be a big part of the core group.

FDSH juniors Javion Jondle and Connor Carver are a key part of the team’s development as well.

“The returning guys are flat-out dogs. They get after it. You can see the progress,” McCaleb said. “The Madden brothers, (Josh and Ryan, both juniors), (sophomore) Ty Adams and (freshman) Shawn Roberts can run the 1 and 2, but can also run some 4s and 8s.”

McCaleb also sees sophomore Malaki Pettigrew and freshmen Jase Nekvinda, Jordan Lessmeier and Hunter Richardson in the immediate mix.

McCaleb has been leaning on his staff of veteran assistants Kevin Astor and Andy Kavanaugh to help smooth the transition process.

“Andy does a great job with the throwers. He is one of the last ones to leave and I’m glad he stayed on the staff,” McCaleb said. “Kevin is a wealth of knowledge. He’s been helping with the distance guys and hurdles and high jump.

“Todd Constable (girls head coach) has walked me through the hoops and helped get a handle on what being a head coach is like.”

McCaleb is excited for the future of the Dodger program.

“Track is going to look different around here,” McCaleb said. “We are going to get it going at the elementary level as well with a little kids Dodger Relays.

“I want kids to be interested in track as early as possible, and have fun while doing it.”