Read takes over for FDSH cross country
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Austin Read knows running.
Now, the first-year head coach will have the chance to implement his principles and techniques at the top of the Fort Dodge cross country programs.
Read takes over both Dodger squads after the retirement of long-time coach Joe Jackson. In his first season, Read will apply his methods to the program after years of experience and mentoring under some of the best.
"I will change a few things, but I'm fortunate that I've had some good coaches to learn from," said Read, a former cross country runner for both the Dodgers and Iowa Central. "I learned a lot from Dee Brown (Iowa Central coach), Joe (Jackson), Dean Clausen (former Humboldt coach), and Mike (Szalat, who he volunteer coached with).
"I'm going to try to keep things simple, but also, experiment a little to get the most out of (each athlete)."
Read, a 2015 Fort Dodge Senior High graduate, ran as a Dodger for three years. He was on their last state-qualifying squad.
Read also competed for Brown at Iowa Central. During his post-school days, he has been a consistent marathon runner, entering in ultra marathons.
Read competed in the Boston Marathon in both 2022 and à23, and is waiting to see if his qualifying time will get him into the next Boston Marathon.
After serving as an assistant for Jackson, Readá’s most important goal in year one is for the kids to continue to improve.
"I want them to just get better every day,” Read said. âI want them to pick up speed and stamina, which is process-oriented. We need to warm up well and carry our philosophy with each rep in our workouts. Good, consistent habits.
"We want to be competitive. I love winning, so that will come if we improve and execute."
The girls program is small, with nine total runners. Senior Madison Carmody is back, along with the junior duo of Linnie Pratt and Laila Grantham.
"Madison has been around all four years,” Read said. "She's been a great leader for us and had a good summer. I think that she will make a big jump this year.
"Linnie and Laila have shown improvement and came to our summer workouts and practices. We want to see continued growth. They should show that if they continue to put in the work and believe in themselves."
With a lot of unknowns on the girls side, Read is ready to see who else will step up and contribute.
"The girls’ side is pretty exciting (in the unknown)," Read said. "We have a few new girls out this season, who have come out and shown commitment to improve. We will see when we open in Gowrie (on Thursday in the Southeast Valley Invitational)."
2026 FORT DODGE GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
Schedule
Aug. 27 -- at Southeast Valley Invite (Gowrie).
Sept. 1 -- at Webster City Invite; 17 -- at Clear Lake Invitational; 29 -- at Cherokee Cross Country meet; 22 -- at Mason City Invitational; 28 -- at Algona Invitational.
Oct. 8 -- Fort Dodge Invitational; 14 -- at Iowa Alliance Conference Meet.
Roster
Seniors -- Maddie Carmody, Ella Johnson, Catilyn Uhlenhopp, Rey Lacina.
Juniors -- Linnie Pratt, Laila Grantham, Mariah Gonzalez, Aileah Geopfert.
Freshmen -- Jaylyn Jackson-Foy, Maiya Herndon.