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PHILLIPS EYES THE PRIZE

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Dreyzon Phillips was a state runner up and the Dodger senior is hoping to end his career inside Wells Fargo Arena.

Dreyzon Phillips is a student on the mat.

He watched, learned and got better growing up under the direction of Fort Dodge stars. Now, the Dodger senior is one of the top wrestlers in the state himself.

As a sophomore, Phillips first cracked the Dodger lineup. Once tournament time rolled around, he was ready to get his first taste of prime-time success as a state qualifier.

“I just think it’s my work in my own time showing,” Phillips said. “Every year, I’ve gotten better. I plan on it continuing like that for as long as possible.”

Last season, everything came together at the right time for Phillips. He hit the top of the rankings and started serving notice on the mat, eventually reaching the state championship round at 138 pounds.

Even though it’s been a different offseason during the COVID-19 pandemic, Phillips has been able to stay focused and work toward his goal of winning a state title in 2021.

“Obviously with COVID, there were times where training wasn’t as normal,” Phillips said. “I would go on runs and do workouts I have normally done on my own.

“No shape is like wrestling shape, so when we got to get back in the Sebolt room, it helped a lot.”

With the uncertainty of what this high school season will be bring, Phillips has been controlling what he can and sticking to the grind.

“You just have to hope for the best and have a good attitude about it,” Phillips said. “This is one of those situations out of our control, but it’s also opened my eyes as far as not taking wrestling for granted.”

On the mat he’s by himself, but to get the championship level, Phillips has leaned heavily on his inner circle to keep him going and grounded.

“My support team is huge, and that goes with my training,” Phillips said. “I have people to constantly look at to get better, like Drake Ayala. Sam Ayala (Drake’s father) will get on my case if I miss a practice or anything, and I love him for that. It shows he cares about me reaching my potential.”

Along with his individual success, Phillips has been a part of the Dodgers’ ride to the top, as the program has brought six trophies home from the traditional state tournament in as many seasons.

“It’s crazy…as a freshman, we had several leaders to look up to and they won it (including champions Brody Teske and Drew Bennett and runner-ups Cayd Lara and Ayala),” Phillips said. “Now I feel us seniors have stepped up and filled those shoes. It’s our turn. We are a family.”

When Phillips sees the younger generations preparing, he remembers his own journey.

“Work hard and don’t be afraid to learn,” Phillips said. “You can always learn. Pick people’s brains. Take what they have and what they know, and turn it into your own.”

Phillips enters his final season in the Red and Black singlet with a 72-27 career mark. When he graduates, Phillips plans on attending Iowa Central Community College and wrestling for the Tritons.

Phillips doesn’t take his time as a FDSH student, athlete and role model for granted.

“Honestly, there is no way to explain what it’s like to be a Dodger,” Phillips said. “I just know I’m proud to be one.”

TIMEOUT WITH DREYZON PHILLIPS

Vacation destination: Florida.

People I would like to have dinner with: NBA YoungBoy, 21 Savage, Splurge.

It would surprise people that I: juggle.

My sports role model: Mike Tyson.

My everyday role model: my parents.

I can’t go a day without: coffee.

Nickname: Drey or Drizzy.

Favorite road trip: Florida.

What are you listening to right now? Chief Keef.

Favorites…

Team: Los Angeles Lakers.

Class: P.E.

Movie: Paid in Full.

Book or Magazine: American Victory.

Phone app: Snap.

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