-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Alexis Ross of Fort Dodge wrestles against Lewis Central Sophie Barnes during Don Miller Invite on Saturday

When she was four years old Alexis Ross was on the mat wrestling and now has a freshman in high school, she will chase her dream of winning an Iowa girls state championship.

Ross has wrestled all over the state and nation, but now competing in the second ever IWCOA Girls State Championship, she is ready to take centerstage.

“I feel like girls wrestling has come a long way and I feel it’s a great opportunity to showcase the girls talent in Iowa for wrestling,” said Ross, ranked third. “I started wrestling when I was four years old. I wrestled under Jamie Allison and my dad (Andre Ross) at City Wide Wrestling.

“I want to thank Jamie Allison, Johnny Koenig. My mom (Amy), my dad (Andre) and my brothers Drevon, Dreshaun and Damarion and my sister Alaysha for being by my side. As well as everyone in the Fort Dodge Senior High School wrestling room and all of the support of the Fort Dodge community.”

Ross has had plenty of experience on the mat, winning two AAU state titles since they’ve started the girls division for state and five Iowa USA state girls championships.

The girls state tournament will be a two-day event with 376 girls competing for state glory.

This season, the Dodger 132-pounder has put together an 11-0 record with three girls titles, including winning her home Don Miller Invitational.

Ross will receive a bye in the first round. She will face the winner of Independence’s Josephin Wearmouth (3-3) and North Scott’s Kara Rohlf (1-3). There are 49 competitors at Ross’ weight class.

The Dodger freshman has grown up around wrestling with three bothers and a sister, and has spent a lot of time perfecting her craft.

“Growing up with her brothers, she has been exposed to a lot of wrestling and I’m sure there have been a lot of tough matches in their living room,” said Fort Dodge head coach Bobby Thompson. “The big thing with her is we never have to alter our practices. She fits right in and competes with anyone.”

Now Ross, who has rolled through her rookie campaign will get her chance to chase another championship.

“It means a lot to me to show the work I’ve put in and my ability to wrestle at high levels,” Ross said. “The first part of the season has gone great for me and from here on, I hope it only gets better.”

Action begins today at 5 p.m. and competitors will wrestle late into the evening. Wrestlers will weigh in at 7 a.m. Saturday morning with action beginning at 8:30 a.m.