Last fall, the Iowa Central women's cross country team was set to compete for a national title.

That opportunity, though, was taken from them just days before the planned meet on their home course in Fort Dodge.

Josie Stackis and the other returning runners are using that disappointment to help fuel them through the preseason and into the upcoming 2021 regular season. 

"I'm super excited to race again," Stackis said. "We had our national meet taken away due to COVID and the whole team having to quarantine, but for the coming season, I'm ready to work and chase a national title."

To get the team prepared, Iowa Central spent several days together a cross country camp. The event not only was used for training, but bonding.

"Cross country camp really helped our team come together and get to know each other," Stackis said. "Going into it, I wasn't sure if I'd like the camping part of it but it turned out to be fun. 

"I got close with a lot of my teammates and we got a week of training in a new spot."

During the summer, the Dubuque native got herself set for year two in the cross country and track program. While it all falls under the umbrella of running, there are some differences.

"I'd say the difference between cross country and track preparation is the amount of miles we do in the preseason," she said. "Typically, it'll be heavier for cross country and lighter for track.

"Running with the team has been great. I ran alone all summer, so seeing new and familiar faces has been nice."

Iowa Central begins the year on Friday in Council Bluffs.  

-By Dana Becker