Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Junior Maeleena Meyer of Fort Dodge clears a hurdle in Eagle Grove earlier this month. The 44th running of the Dodger Relays is scheduled for Thursday.

Todd Constable knows full well what it takes to compete in the Dodger Relays.

The Fort Dodge Senior High graduate was a track athlete once himself, and even had a chance to participate in the boys’ version of the annual event some 40 years ago.

“It’s pretty similar, competing and coaching in the Dodger Relays,” Constable said. “You have a lot of friends and family there watching and cheering you on.

“It might be tougher stress-wise as a coach, because you see how hard the kids work and you want them to succeed.”

Constable said the success of the individuals is the main goal.

“Seeing them rewarded with their best time is exciting,” Constable said. “The Dodger Relays is a great atmosphere, and our community does a terrific job making it a special event for everyone invovled.”

Constable will lead his FDSH girls track program into the 44th annual Dodger Relays — weather permitting — on Thursday.

Action is slated to begin at 4:30 p.m., with field events and running events will start at 5 p.m. A lingering chance of storms will be a theme throughout the day leading into the meet.

Joining the Dodgers on J.H. Nitzke Track will be St. Edmond, Manson Northwest Webster, Humboldt, Des Moines Roosevelt, Forest City, Mason City and Waukee Northwest.

Most track programs only get one home meet. This year is a bit different for Fort Dodge, which will have two meets inside Dodger Stadium. The school also hosts the Iowa Alliance Conference Meet next month.

“We try to load up some races and the kids will usually run more than usual,” Constable said of being at home. “It’s special. You’re in front of your family and friends.

“This is a great opportunity for us.”

The community and school district puts extra effort into making this a special event for the athletes.

“We get great help for the Dodger Relays,” Constable said. “Fran (Long) is a tremendous starter — one of the best around. We have terrific volunteers making sure things run well. Josh and Michael Smith do a great job with the timing and results. There are just so many people who make it run smoothly.

“Our volunteers take a lot of pride in this. Brandon (Ruffridge, FDSH activities director) makes sure things are top notch.”

There is a 70 percent chance of rain on Thursday when the Dodger Relays are slated to begin, with thick cloud cover. Storms are expected to intensify as the evening progresses. Temperatures are predicted to be a little over 60 degrees.