Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Fort Dodge's Dreshaun Ross, the 2023-24 Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota Messenger area male athlete of the year, holds his trophy on Monday after the presentation by Matt Johnson, Fort Dodge Ford Dealer and Director of Happiness. Pictured with Ross are Johnson and his wife, Abigail; their children, Isabella and Max; and Fort Dodge Messenger Sports Editor Eric Pratt.

Dreshaun Ross ran the emotional gamut in 2023-24.

The Fort Dodge superstar experienced the highest of highs, becoming just the fifth Dodger athlete — and first sophomore — in school history to attain first team all-state football status and capture a state wrestling championship in the same academic year. Ross also began to rack up a number of high-end Division I football scholarship offers from schools all across the midwest.

Ross suffered a dislocated shoulder defending his title as the top seed at Fargo Nationals last month, though — successful surgery followed, and the recovery period is expected to sideline him for four to six months — temporarily halting the momentum of the state’s newest two-sport household name.

The Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota Messenger area male athlete of the year was wearing a shoulder sling when he officially received the award. It’s a far cry from where the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Ross would like to be — on the football field, preparing for the upcoming season with his teammates — but perspective and appreciation after a season for the ages took precedence on this day.

“It means a lot to be recognized by others around me, and I couldn’t be more grateful,” Ross said of the honor. “I’d like to thank my family and friends. I wouldn’t be who I am without them.

“I’m truly blessed to have such an amazing group of people around me.”

Ross joined Sam Cook (2014-15 and 2015-16), Randy Ewing (1984-85), Melvin Peed (1948-49) and Floyd Messerly (1933-34) as the only Fort Dodge single-season first team all-state and state champion doubles in football and wrestling. The standout linebacker already has offers on the gridiron from Iowa, Iowa State, Michigan, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Purdue, Minnesota, Kansas and Kansas State, and a slew of blue-chip mat programs will line up once they are able to officially offer Ross scholarship opportunities in 11 days.

“I’ve learned to not take any opportunities for granted, to be thankful for every chance to compete, and be able to put my skills and talents on display for the world to see,” said Ross, who is rated a four-star defensive prospect by Rivals in football and is a Top-5 national recruit for the Class of 2026 in wrestling. “I know I can always improve in either sport every day.

“It’s definitely not easy to manage both sports sometimes, with practices and everything else, but I try not to look at it as ‘pressure.’ It’s just me going out there and doing what I love. And I know the people who truly support me are going to still be there for me, even if I don’t perform at my best.”

FDSH football coach Nik Moser didn’t mince words when describing Ross’ efforts on the field — and his attitude away from it.

“It’s no secret that Dreshaun has the potential to be an all-time great,” Moser said. “He’s an outstanding football player, but I would say his ‘best’ days in this sport are years down the road. He’s only scratching the surface at this stage in his career.

“Regardless of the path he chooses, he’s going to be successful. He has an incredible work ethic and an outstanding support system at home. The community has his back no matter what, too. But I’ll say this: maybe his best attribute is his selflessness. He’s a low-ego kid with a team-first mentality. He wants to see others around him succeed, and he’s sincere about it. Just incredibly humble and very mature, which is rare in this day and age — especially for someone with all of his talents.”

Ross stormed his way to the 215-pound state title — his second prep championship in as many seasons — last February. He was named the meet’s most outstanding wrestler in Class 3A, and earned Dan Gable Mr. Wrestler of the Year recognition thanks to a 47-0 record.

Dodger wrestling coach Bobby Thompson called Ross “the ultimate winner.”

“The skill goes without saying, but Dreshaun is going to accomplish big things in life,” Thompson said. “I’ve been coaching for 35 years and I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen someone who is just the real deal both on and off the mat. He’s so down to earth, and he genuinely cares about other people.

“At this stage in his life, at 16 years old, he’s a big kid in a massive human body. I hope he never loses that sincerity. He loves being around his friends and family. He loves to have fun. Of course he works incredibly hard and is an elite competitor, but he is also fiercely loyal to others and making sure he’s not the only one getting the attention and the accolades. Dreshaun just gets it.”

Ross feels his altruistic mentality comes from an unwavering support system, both at home and in the Fort Dodge community.

“One of my favorite memories was winning state titles with my brother (Damarion) and just spending time with my teammates and best friends in football, wrestling and just in general,” said Ross, who was originally slated to make an international trip to Jordan this week for the U17 World Championships. “If I ever need any advice or help with something, I have my family and friends there for me at any time.

“I’m truly blessed and very thankful for them all.”