Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Fort Dodge triplets (left to right): Thomas, Sam and James Daniel sign their letters of intent to play football at Grand View University on Wednesday.

Sam, Thomas and James Daniel are ready to tackle the next challenge of their lives together on the collegiate football field.

The Fort Dodge triplets explored their options at different schools and in different sports. At the end of the day, though, the trio realized their true strength comes in numbers.

All three brothers officially signed their respective letters of intent to play for Grand View University on Wednesday at Fort Dodge Senior High. The Daniel trio was joined by classmate Sawyer Springer, who will add even more Dodger flavor to the Viking roster for the Des Moines-based NAIA powerhouse program.

“We always had the plan to play football together, and Grand View gave up a good opportunity to make that a reality,” said Thomas, a starting linebacker for Fort Dodge last fall. “Football has always been a sport that’s had a place in my heart, from playing pick-up games at Dodger Stadium through high school ball.

“Making it to the next level is something we’re all doing together, so it’s something that means a lot to me.”

The triplets and Springer will join former Dodgers Drake Miller, Logan Finowski, Austin Lee and Levi Egli in the GVU program. This past fall, Miller was a sophomore quarterback and Finowski, a sophomore offensive lineman. Lee and Egli are freshman linebackers who have yet to see varsity action.

Vikings head coach Joe Woodley, who completed his second season at the helm with a 6-0 record in 2020, is a former Fort Dodge resident himself. Woodley’s overall mark to date is 19-1.

“We’ve always wanted to play college football (for the same program),” said Sam, a second team all-state selection and Fort Dodge’s all-time leader for both single-season and career interceptions. “It means so much to take this next step with my brothers by my side. I wouldn’t rather do it with anyone else.

“Grand View is a top-notch school for their division; there are many good players there. I want to compete with the best, even at practice.”

James Daniel was a second team all-district selection after leading the Dodgers in tackles and tackles for loss as a senior.

“It means so much to me because we have done everything together. Now we are following our dream to play college football — something I get to do with my best friends,” James said. “Grand View has an amazing football facility, and we liked the coaches a lot. We loved the idea of getting to play with some of our former teammates and friends.”

Fort Dodge went 3-5 last season and 6-4 in 2019. Sam Daniel was a two-year starter, with James and Thomas joining him in the lineup this past fall as linebackers.

“Playing football at FDSH meant so much to me, and had such an impact on my life,” Sam said. “I’ve developed so many long-lasting friendships, and being able to be a part of Coach (Nik) Moser’s first year meant a lot.

“During practice, Coach Moser had us do game-like situations, which helped me the most. Even though it’s practice, we were still competing hard every day.”

Thomas called playing for the Dodgers “something I’ll always remember.”

“It’s been a great time. When Coach Moser made the switch to head coach, he did an amazing job,” Thomas said. “The level we practiced at was unmatched, and he really did make it fun.

“From a player’s point of view, he was a great coach.”

James will also fondly remember his time at FDSH.

“Football practices were upbeat and competitive, I also had a great relationship with everyone on my team,” James said. “I’d played with them at the Stadium every day when I was a kid, so to play actual football with them was a great experience.

“It felt more like a family than a team. Fort Dodge football will always have a spot in my heart.”

In addition to the Daniel triplets and Springer, Dodger senior defensive back Jerry Chada (Coe College) also signed to play collegiate football on Wednesday at FDSH.

The Daniel brothers are sons of Fort Dodge’s Jeff and Jodi Daniel. Springer is the son of Juli and the late Steve Springer. Chada is the son of Joe and Jodi Chada.

Devon Clark (Humboldt), Tyler Vitzhum (Humboldt), Clay Freimuth (Manson Northwest Webster), Andrew Hamilton (Algona), Cole Lewis (Algona) and Gavin Meints (Algona) joined the four current Dodgers on the 2020 GVU roster from the Messenger area. Andy Jepson (Manson Northwest Webster) and Jon Pilcher (Fort Dodge) are members of Woodley’s staff.

The Vikings won the 2013 NAIA national championship, and have compiled an overall record of 80-14 since that season.