Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Ben Egli of Fort Dodge makes a tackle last fall inside Dodger Stadium.

Every sport that Ben Egli competed in felt like family.

The Fort Dodge athlete is completing an active senior year for the Dodger wrestling and football programs, as well as being one of the Fort Dodge Rugby Club’s veteran leaders.

In the athletic spectrum, Egli has lived up to the lofty standards set by his older brothers.

With that being said, the special bonds are what stand out to him most looking back.

“Being a Dodger means more to me than I ever thought it would,” Egli said. “ I love the way (the opposition) views us, and the fact that we are known as a tough school full of a bunch of willing kids that want to beat some of the bigger schools.”

Egli ended his Dodger career on the mat in style, finishing third at 182-pound for the FDSH wrestling squad to match the achievements of his brothers, Duke and Levi. It was his first state medal in his second appearance.

“Being part of the Dodger wrestling family has been an incredible (segment) of my high school career,” Egli said. “It was great for me to have the support from my coaches and teammates through my ups and downs, knowing they always had my back.

“It truly is a family.”

On the gridiron last fall, Egli garnered second team all-district honors as a linebacker after being second on the team with 45 tackles (35 solo). He finished his career with 62 tackles (47 solo) and two fumble recoveries.

Egli was Fort Dodge’s leader in tackles for loss with 16, which was 10th in Class 4A for 2021.

“I can’t say enough about my football career here,” Egli said. “It made me fall in love with the sport, and gave me something that I know will be a part of my life forever.

“I tried to be the best I could be for that program, and can’t thank them enough for the memories.”

Egli has been influenced by plenty of coaches as he matured into a four-year regular wearing the Red and Black.

“It’s hard to say exactly who my biggest influences are because of how many great people and coaches I’ve had,” Egli said. “I think personally, (FDSH assistant) coach Mark Rial has been the most influential on my mindset. Not only with wrestling, but just life. He’s someone who I’ve been lucky to have around since I was a young wrestler.”

Egli is currently playing for the Fort Dodge Stags, and was recently selected to the Iowa Select Side All-Star Team that will play in Austin, Tex. and Milwaukee, Wis.

“I’d also say (rugby) Coach Tom McClimon has been very influential,” Egli said. “He coaches every sport I’m involved in, so I’m pretty much around him year-round.

“He’s someone I know that has my back and someone I can ask for advice. He’s my guy and I was glad to have him in my corner for wrestling and on the sidelines for football and rugby.”

Egli is undecided on which college he will attend, but plans on playing football.

TIMEOUT WITH BEN EGLI

Vacation destination: South Padre, Tex.

Person I would like to have dinner with: Hasbulla.

It would surprise people that I: like to read.

My sports role model: Luke Keuchly.

My everyday role model: my older brothers.

I can’t go a day without: chapstick.

Nickname: Bengli or Benji.

Superstition: I have to wear white socks.

Most heated rivalry: Ankeny in wrestling; my little brother, Jesse in Mario Kart.

Favorite road trip:

South Dakota with my family.

Go-to song? In the Summertime by Mungo Jerry.

Favorites…

Athlete: Christian McCaffrey.

Team: Iowa State.

Class: Leadership with Mrs. Adams.

Movie: Remember the Titans.

Book: Chop Wood Carry Water.

Phone app: Snapchat.