The boys return six runners with experience, while the girls will bank on four girls.

Senior Ryan Madden, who was the Dodgers’ lead runner a year ago, will be the top competitor again.

“Ryan is our leader and he has been working hard this summer,” said Fort Dodge boys and girls head coach Joe Jackson. “He put in a ton of mileage and he has great intentions to do well.

“He is looking strong and hopefully his hopes can come to fruition.”

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Fort Dodge Boys Cross Country Returning Letterwinners are, left to right, Front Row: Brady Major, Micah Flaherty Back Row: Ryan Madden, Joshua Madden, Shawn Roberts, Michael Wagner, Tanner Teske

Also back for the Dodgers are senior Joshua Madden, junior Michael Wagner, and sophomores Brady Major, Micah Flaherty, Shawn Roberts and Tanner Teske.

“The rest of our guys are right there in a pack,” Jackson said. “We don’t want to run too fast to start the season and we are taking our training in steps and see where we are at after the first meet.

“We don’t want to go out too quickly and then as we progress, we will see those guys challenging each other.”

With a solid group of returnees and 10 underclassmen, Jackson sees Madden’s leadership as a key ingredient to the Dodgers progression.

“Ryan is full of enjoyment and passion in whatever he does,” Jackson said. “Whether it be as a drum major in band or on the stage.

“He brings fun and excitement and the welcoming factor to the new guys and this is a group of hardworking kids.”

Returning for the girls are juniors Dari Cook, Katie Rodamaker and sophomores Madeline Stephan and Paige Lewis.

“Dari had a great season going last season and came back strong after her injury,” Jackson said. “She is a great leader and after last season she proved it when she came back.

“All of our letterwinners have been through it, so they know what to expect.”

Jackson will look toward first year runner Carsyn Zehr to take a spot in the rotation.

“Carsyn Zehr, who was in the marathon class last year, came out and is a tremendously hard worker,” Jackson said. “She is consistent and has good focus.

“Carsyn could surprise some people this year.”

Jackson will once again be assisted by Shelby Curry.

2022 FORT DODGE CROSS COUNTRY

Girls Roster

Juniors — Dari Cook, Katie Rodamaker, Carsyn Zehr.

Sophomores — Chris Hulsebus, Paige Lewis, Madeline Stephan.

Freshmen — Brielle Crouch, Sylvia Wacholtz.

Boys Roster

Seniors — Colby Doebel, Alexander Hansen, Joshua Madden, Ryan Madden.

Juniors — Omarion Myers-Zimmerman, Michael Wagner.

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

Freshmen — Owen Gruver, Owen Hamlow, Braden Kammerer, Aidan Recker, Simeon Roberts.

Schedule

Aug. 29 — at Webster City.

Sept. 8 — at Marshalltown Invitational; 13 — at Storm Lake Invite; 19 — at Humboldt Invitational; 26 — at Algona Invitational.

Oct. 6 — Fort Dodge Invitational; 13 — Iowa Alliance Meet at Marshalltown.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)

• Daily Newsletter
• Breaking News
• Obituaries

Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

• Yes
• No