Boys Wrestling

FORT DODGE BOYS WRESTLING

Dodgers hope history repeats

By CHRIS JOHNSON

cjohnson@messengernews.net

Bobby Thompson has a familiar feeling about this year’s Fort Dodge wrestling team.

It takes him back to 2015, when the Dodgers started their string of six straight Top-3 state finishes.

“This team is a lot like that one,” said Thompson, who enters his 18th season as the program’s head head coach. “We had to lean on a group of underclassmen to lead.

“We were ranked eighth in the state and weren’t expected to do a lot. And then we got third.”

From that season through 2020, the Dodgers had three bronze efforts as a squad, two state runner-up showings and the championship in 2018.

The group in 2015 was headlined by underclassmen, led by freshman state champion Brody Teske and junior goldmedalist Sam Cook. Sophomore Triston Lara was also a finalist.

“All seven qualifiers (in 2015) medaled,’’ Thompson said. “It was fun to be a part of that, and we didn’t lose many matches. Erik Birnbaum was our only senior, mixed with three juniors, a sophomore and two freshmen.

“This group has only three seniors in the lineup and a lot of talented younger guys.”

Last year, the Dodgers extended their streak to eight straight seasons of five medalists or more.

“This is a great group. I don’t want to put a lot on them so early, but we could potentially exceed expectations,’’ Thompson said. “We only have a few kids that don’t have experience, and really good kids that are putting in a lot of hard work.”

Headlining this year’s rotation is returning silver medalists Dru Ayala, a junior, and sophomore Koy Davidson.

Senior Max Bishop was fourth in February of 2022, and junior Damarion Ross made his second state trip, earning his first medal with a seventh-place showing.

Senior Keaton Nichols was a state qualifier. The graduated Ben Egli was the fifth wrestler on the podium, earning bronze.

“We are asking the returning qualifiers (as well as junior Cal Hartman) to step in as underclassmen and be leaders,” Thompson said. “We are going to need those guys to lead this program.”

Joining the Dodger will be the final Ross sibling. Dreshaun Ross enters his first high school season with a slew of youth AAU titles and national exposure.

Ross’ older siblings — Drevon (three-time medalist), Damarion and sister Alexis (state champion) — have been a big part of the FDSH program through the years.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla FORT DODGE WRESTLING TEAM MEMBERS are, front row (left to right): Tate Anderson, Hunter Kasperbauer, Sam Davidson, Dru Ayala, Kane Butrick, Riley Brown and Landon Rogers. Middle: Angel Sandoval, John Phan, Aiden Behrends, Caiden Fraher, Jesse Egli, Hunter Richardson, Bo Cowell, Railey Samayoa and Domanick Norris. Back: Cal Hartman, Luke Fierke, Davion Lockman, Dreshaun Ross, Damarion Ross, Keaton Nichols, Collin Munter and Karsen Smith. Not pictured: Zeke Pineda, Layden Conrad, Carlos Elias and Mason Liska.

LOWER WEIGHTS

Freshman Sam Davidson, the younger brother of Koy, will toe the varsity waters at 106 pounds.

“Sam is solid...he’s been around the wrestling ranks,’’ Thompson said. “He will be a great addition as an underclassman.”

Also in the mix at 106 is freshman Hunter Kasperbauer.

Ayala will jump up to 113 pounds a year after finishing as the Class 3A 106-pound state runner-up.

The two-time medalist has compiled a record of 73-9 and is already hungry to return to the championship round.

“Dru has a great attitude and is eager to get back going,’’ Thompson said. “He lost in the finals and lost at Fargo, but should have won both.

“He’s come to practice in the right mindset and has been a leader in the room.”

Freshman Tate Anderson will also be at 113 pounds.

Bishop is looking to close his career as a four-time state qualifier. Bishop, who climbed all the way to fourth a year ago after placing eighth as a sophomore, is looking for more in his final march.

“Max proved last year that he could go with anybody,’’ Thompson said. “He was right there and he gained a lot of confidence.”

Junior Landon Rogers is also at 120 pounds.

Junior Kane Butrick, who won 19 matches as a sophomore, is at 126 pounds.

“Kane has had to fight through a lot of adversity and sickness,’’

HEAD COACH Bobby Thompson

18th year

ROSTER Seniors

Max Bishop, Collin Munter, Keaton Nichols, Davion Lockman.

Juniors

Dru Ayala, Kane Butrick, Landon Rogers, Bo Cowell, Damarion Ross, Karsen Smith, Cal Hartman, Zeke Pineda, Raily Samayoa, Angel Sandoval.

Sophomores

Koy Davidson, John Phann, Mason Liska, Layden Conrad, Hunter Richardson, Aiden Behrends.

Freshmen

Sam Davidson, Hunter Kasperbauer, Tate Anderson, Landon Rogers, Riley Brown, Caiden Fraher, Jesse Egli, Dreshaun Ross, Luke Fierke, Domanick Norris.

SCHEDULE

Dec. 1 — at Southeast Polk; 2-3 — at Donnybrook in Coralville; 8 — Des Moines East/Urbandale; 9-10 — at Council Bluffs; 15 — at Des Moines Lincoln/DM Roosevelt; 17 — Don Miller Invitational; 22 — Des Moines Hoover/DM North. Jan. 5 — Ankeny Centennial/ Waterloo East; 7 — at Mendenhall (Ames); 12 — at Ames; 14 — Cedar Rapids Jefferson; 19 — at Urbandale; 24 — Mason City; 28 — Conference at Des Moines.