OTTUMWA — Jim Nickerson has taken more than a few turns around the track.

Nickerson will mark a milestone moment when his Ottumwa boys track squad hits the cinders at Washington today.

Season No. 20 for the longtime Bulldog coach will officially be put in the books after the first click of his steadied stopwatch charts his team’s times and standing.

The sport of track and field has given Nickerson the opportunity to crank out several outstanding athletes over his time at OHS. His service and dedication to the sport has also enabled him to be able to shape lives — on and off the track.

“Track is a passion of mine. My father created that in me. Track is a good vehicle to teach kids to be successful in life,” said Nickerson, who still holds the fifth-quickest time in the 400 dash in OHS history.

Nickerson mentioned one of his other driving forces in explaining the ropes to his pupils of sport. It’s an enthusiastic principal of never being stagnant or lethargic.

“It’s about work ethic and I try to share that with the kids — teach them about life in general,” said the OHS head coach.

The 400-meter dash will be a featured event for Nickerson and Ottumwa this season.

The Bulldogs return three-fourths of their 4x400 relay squad that placed fifth at state in ’07.

Juniors Clint Utter, Tim Easton and Alex Kelly were three members of that squad which ran a 3:22.82 at the state meet last May. That’s the ninth-fastest time in school history.

The fourth participant in that hyped relay was 2007 OHS graduate Connor Daily, who runs track at Central College in Pella.

He’ll be missed.

“Connor’s role was beyond running. For leadership, you looked at Connor. He kept the team together,” said Nickerson.

Ottumwa senior P.J. Shaeffer will round out the 4x400 relay. All four of the aforementioned runners will also suit up for the 4x200.

Kelly has also sailed through the air with tremendous success in the high jump. He leaped 6-4 at an indoor meet in Pella recently. That’s tied for third-best all-time in the school record books.