-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Kane Butrick of Fort Dodge wrestles against Dubuque Hempstedad Mitchell Murphy.

Kane Butrick took a much different path on the wrestling mat.

The Fort Dodge senior was a late bloomer of sorts, fully committing to the sport since finding a passion for it during his middle school days.

“I first started wrestling in the seventh grade, which is a lot later than most,” Butrick said. “Some of my friends were in it, so I decided to give it a shot — and fell in love with it instantly.”

Butrick has been a part of the Dodger varsity lineup for three-plus years, improving every season along the way.

“Wrestling is a huge commitment and has taken up most of my time in high school,” Butrick said. “But having such good teammates and coaches makes it fun to practice and keep the grind going every day.”

Butrick finished his career with a mark of 88-37, and was a two-time state qualifier. He went through a gauntlet of tough wrestlers in Des Moines this season as the nine seed.

Butrick won his opening match by fall and knocked off the No. 8 seed in the second round. He lost to top-seed Jayce Luna of Bettendorf — the eventual runner-up at 132 pounds — in the quarterfinals.

Butrick was then knocked out of the tournament with a tight 8-6 loss to fourth-seeded Justis Jesuroga of Southeast Polk. Jesuroga placed fourth.

“Wrestling has changed my life for the better in so many ways,” Butrick said. “It’s created some of my strongest friendships and best memories of high school.”

Also, the grind of wrestling has helped me get mentally stronger and prepared for whatever comes next in my life.”

Butrick was part of a senior class with Dru Ayala, Damarion Ross and Cal Hartman that combined for 496 victories, 12 state appearances, one gold medal, three silvers and a bronze.

Butrick helped the Dodgers bring back third-place trophies in both the dual state tournament and traditional state tournament in 2024.

“I think what makes our team so special is the bond we’ve created over the years,” Butrick said. “Most of us have been wrestling with each other for a while.

“We aren’t just teammates — we’ve become family.”

Butrick appreciates the bigger picture now that his Fort Dodge wrestling career has come to an end.

“My favorite moments are probably watching and coaching my teammates from the sidelines and seeing them succeed,” Butrick said. “Having a teammate win a big match sometimes feels better than winning your own.”

Butrick’s growth both on and off the mat came through personal investment and a strong support system.

“My biggest pivot in wrestling was when I started wrestling with Carl Valley at Team Valley (in Clarion),” Butrick said. “I didn’t know the first thing about wrestling when I started, but I worked and worked in the offseason and made huge gains.”

Butrick is unsure of his future plans.

Vacation destination: Hawaii.

People I would like to have dinner with: my grandparents that I never got to meet.

It would surprise people that I: didn’t start wrestling until 7th grade.

My sports role model:

David Taylor.

My everyday role model: my parents.

I can’t go a day without: fruit snacks.

Nickname: Tip.

Superstition: I’m not very superstitious.

Favorite road trip: South Dakota.

Something you binge watch: videos on TikTok.

What are you listening to right now? Chief Keef.

Favorites…

Team: The Hawkeyes.

Class: History.

Movie: Scarface.

Phone app: Snapchat.