Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: East Sac County’s Isaiah Aragon competes during the state cross country meet at Lakeside on Saturday. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net
<!–
The 30th anniversary won’t be remembered for its ideal weather, but that’s never really been the point in late October anyway.
The people make the state cross country meet work at Lakeside Golf Course inside Kennedy Park. It was true when Fort Dodge first took over as host in 1993. It’s still true today.
A total of 234 boys and girls team champions have been crowned during that period of time, with over 25,000 runners participating in and approximately 100,000 fans watching the event over a span of three full decades. Boys. Girls. Small schools. Big programs. Followers from all across the state — and even the country.
This isn’t just about tradition, though. History doesn’t guarantee future security. And yes, better courses and possible hosting options — on paper — are out there in Iowa. The Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union are well aware.
Resources aren’t just inanimate objects. Countless workers and volunteers from in and around Fort Dodge brave the elements every year to fill necessary roles, from parking and transportation to finish-line duties, post-meet cleanup and everything in between. Thousands of cross country runners and enthusiasts come to town for the two-day event. Dozens of items — often behind the scenes — are addressed before, during and after the races. City and school leaders must all be on the same page accordingly.
Being a tournament host is as much about walking the walk and checking boxes behind the scenes as the fanfare or credit received. It’s a huge undertaking top to bottom.
“State cross country in Fort Dodge is a great example of how an Iowa community can come together across numerous organizations, people, and interests to continually support an event for our state’s high school student-athletes,” said Chris Cuellar, the IHSAA’s communications director. “The essential help comes from Fort Dodge, as this event has Fort Dodge ties and knowledge that outlasts any individual or staff member from the IHSAA or IGHSAU. It’s the school district, city parks and recreation, law enforcement, the golf course, restaurants, hotels, countless volunteers that make it go.
“The IHSAA and IGHSAU are involved year-round in planning and execution, but it takes a community with commitment like Fort Dodge has shown for 30 years to keep it successful.”
For over 50 years, this town has successfully hosted the state softball tournament — the longest-running host site for a championship in Iowa. At 30 years and counting, cross country at Lakeside now ranks behind only state football at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls and track at Drake Stadium in Des Moines.
There are no shortcuts or secret formulas to that kind of sustainability, as former Fort Dodge Senior High athletic director Don Miller reminded me in a conversation last fall. If there is work to be done, the state’s governing bodies for athletics know they can count on the active and competitive spirit of this community.
“We are very fortunate for our 30-year partnership with Fort Dodge in cross county,” said Jason Eslinger, an associate director at the IGHSAU. “As we see with our 50-plus years at Rogers Park for softball, the city takes a tremendous amount of pride hosting both of these state events.
“We are grateful for the relationship with the Fort Dodge Parks and Recreation Department, as well as so many other community leaders throughout the years. They are great partners who work hard to make state cross country such a special meet.”
The value of being a state host extends beyond financial incentives and public recognition. This is also about community pride — a concept that often seems hokey or even antiquated in today’s world.
If you were involved in the state cross country process — either directly or indirectly — this past weekend, take a bow. If you weren’t, consider being a part of the festivities next fall. There are always ways to help.
Like any meet, every step counts. Our distance race is now 30 years long — and thankfully, still going strong.
Eric Pratt is Sports Editor at The Messenger. Contact him via email at [email protected], or on Twitter @ByEricPratt