The girls have six returners back, while there are five on the boys side.

Back for the Dodger boys are seniors Michael Wagner, Omarian Myers-Zimmermann, juniors Tanner Teske, Brady Majors, Shawn Roberts, and sophomores Owen Gruver, Braden Kammerer and Aidan Recker.

Also running for the Dodgers will be seniors Abul Rahimov and Kaivyon Williams. Junior Abraham Fisher, sophomore Joshua Shields and freshman Conrad Greathouse.

“Michael and Omar have really built their leg strength through the summer,” said Fort Dodge head coach Joe Jackson. “They are leading by example in workouts and will be pushing each other in races.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Fort Dodge Boys XC Returning Letterwinners are, left to right, Front Row: Brady Major, Omarian Myers-Zimmermann Back Row: Michael Wagner, Shawn Roberts, Tanner Teske

“Chasing them should be freshman Cael Hansen who accumulated a lot of miles this summer.”

Jackson also expects the other returning runners to give the Dodgers a push.

“Tanner, Brady and Shawn are looking strong in workouts and fill out our top six,” Jackson said. “Aidan and Owen have also put in consistent mileage this summer and will be challenging each other for that last varsity spot.”

With the experience back, Jackson expects for some improvement on the course.

“We should have a smaller spread with our five counters this season,” Jackson said. “The guys are looking to finish in a higher position in the Alliance Conference.”

Back for the Dodger girls are seniors Dari Cook, Katie Rodamaker and Carsyn Zehr. Juniors Madeline Stephan, Chris Hulsebus and Paige Lewis also return. Janelle ong will be a junior.

“We have a solid group of returnees in our letterwinners Carsyn, Dari, Madeline, Paige, Katie and Chris,” Jackson said. “Our senior girls have put in solid mileage during the summer along with our juniors, and are planning to see great improvements in their times.”

Jackson will have a group of freshmen that will look to make an impact. Freshmen Madison Carmody, Parker Gale, Brooklyn Kaloupek, Alivia Klepsteen and Reina Lacina look to get acclimated.

“The upperclassmen have welcomed a good group of freshmen and created a fun and encouraging culture,” Jackson said. “The freshmen are quickly acclimating to the workouts and several could be challenging for varsity positions as the year progresses.”

Former Fort Dodge state qualifier (2014) and two-time Boston Marathon runner Austin Read will assist Jackson.

The Dodgers open on Monday as they will compete in the Lynx Invitational in Webster City.

The girls race begins at 4:30 p.m. with the boys to follow at approximately 5 p.m.

ROSTER

Girls

Seniors — Dari Cook, Katie Rodamaker, Carsyn Zehr.

Juniors — Chris Hulsebus, Paige Lewis, Janelle Long, Madeline Stephan.

Freshmen — Madison Carmody, Parker Gale, Brooklyn Kaloupek, Alivia Klepsteen, Reina Lacina.

Boys

Seniors — Omarian Myers-Zimmermann, Abul Rahimov, Michael Wagner, Kaivyon Williams.

Juniors — Abraham Fisher, Brady major, Shawn Roberts, Tanner Teske.

Sophomores — Owen Gruver, Braden Kammerer, Aidan Recker, Joshua Shields.

Freshmen — Conrad Greathouse, Cael Hansen.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 28 — at Webster City; Sept. 7 — at Marshalltown; 12 — at Storm Lake; 18 — at Humboldt; 25 — at Algona.

Oct. 5 — Fort Dodge Invitational; 12 — IAC Conference Meet at Mason City.