-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Lane Cowell

Lane Cowell has made strides every year he has been on the mat for the Dodger wrestling program and in his final go through, he is set to leave his mark.

The Dodger senior is off to a 10-1 start and ranked fourth at 120 pounds. As a sophomore he placed fourth.

“My major goal is to become a state champion,” Cowell said. “It would be great to get all 14 guys to the well so we can do some damage.”

Through the early portion of the schedule in the Dodgers two duals and two tournaments, Cowell has recorded six falls, five in the first period. He also has two major decisions, two decisions, including a 3-2 decision over fifth-ranked Jon Burnette of Spirit Lake Park.

Cowell’s only loss of the season is a 3-1 loss to second-ranked Trever Anderson of Ankeny.

“The biggest thing for Lane is he just needs to believe in himself,” said Fort Dodge head coach Bobby Thompson. “We as a coaching staff believe in him. He just has to realize that he is capable for big things.”

Thompson has seen the work that Cowell has put in paying off for the senior.

“Lane has seen great improvement just from his junior year to his senior year,” said Fort Dodge head coach Bobby Thompson. “He is more focused and has greatly improved.

“He’s right there.”

Cowell strives to get better each time on the mat and with the support behind him he has been able to accomplish that.

Cowell is 82-23 in his career as a Dodger. Though this season has been up in the air, whether the season would be able to happen, Cowell and the rest of the Dodgers had a strong first part of the season.

Fourth-ranked Fort Dodge finished second at the Indianola Invitational and knocked off No. 7 Ankeny in their only home dual of the season.

In their final time on the mat in 2020, the Dodgers captured their sixth consecutive Don Miller Invitational crown. Cowell won his third Miller Invite title.

“My coaches and my teammates push me everyday,” Cowell said. “In my opinion it hasn’t been hard to get workouts in with COVID-19 going around.”

Cowell is unsure of his future college plans.

Vacation destination: Hawaii.

People I would like to have dinner with: The Rock and Kevin Hart.

My sports role model:

Drake Ayala.

My everyday role model: my dad and mom.

I can’t go a day without: my two little cats Red-Rock and Hazel and also my dog Mickey.

Most heated rivalry:

Mason City.

Favorite road trip: South Carolina with Dreyzon, Drake and Dru.

What are you listening to right now? Somebody’s Problem by Morgan Wallen.

Favorites…

Class: Yearbook.

Book: The Hare and the Tortoise.