—Photo courtesy of Grand View EX-FORT DODGE CHAMPION Carson Taylor has his hand raised after winning the 141 pound NAIA national title on Saturday in Wichita, Kan.

WICHITA, Kan. — The flex? That was for Carson Taylor.

The point to the crowd? That was for his family.

The emotions have been building during Taylor’s banner career on the campus of Grand View University. And this year, the Fort Dodge Senior High graduate had gone through the gauntlet to reach the finals at 141 pounds.

On Saturday night, Taylor could finally say he was an NAIA national champion.

“The five years at Grand View have been hands-down the best five years of my life,” Taylor said.

It wasn’t much of a match, as Taylor (27-2) dominated third-seeded Evan Potter of Southern Oregon with a 10-0 major decision to claim his long-awaited national crown.

After releasing Potter as the clock read zero, Taylor clenched his fists in excitement.

Taylor then pointed mat side to his father, Chris, and little brother Louis. He then looked to the stands, where his mother, Abby Underberg, sat with the rest of his family.

“It feels so great to finally get the championship for me and my family,” Taylor said. “I just wanted to make them proud.”

Taylor, who was a state champion in 2019 for the Dodgers, finally did it at the collegiate level. He had all the accolades — five-time All-American, four-time medalist, taking fourth, third, second and third — but this title was his breakthrough moment.

“I’m happy I can lead by example on what Grand View is built on,” Taylor said. “I hope the young guys will follow that.”

Taylor was one of six national champions for the Vikings, who won their 13th team title in 17 years with a record 209 points. It was the fourth consecutive crown for the program, and head coach Nick Mitchell was named NAIA Coach of the Year for the ninth time.

The 2020 FDSH graduate rolled through the tournament. Taylor’s toughest match came in the semifinals against Cade Manion, the fifth seed from Oklahoma City. A big third period lifted Taylor to a 6-1 victory.

In his first three matches, he outscored his opponents 33-1 with three major decisions. Taylor beat Cole McKinley of Lourdes (14-1) in his opener. He followed that with wins over No. 16 Tristan Bremer of Providence (8-0) and No. 8 Thomas Williams of St. Thomas (11-0).

Taylor, who is 15th on Fort Dodge’s all-time win list with 121 victories, closed his career at Grand View with 126 wins and 19 losses. He was a four-time Heart of America Athletic Conference champ.

“Carson epitomizes what Grand View wrestling stands for,” Mitchell said. “I’m so happy he was able to accomplish his goal of winning a national title.

“We are going to miss him tremendously, but we’re so grateful for the time we had with him.”

Taylor had an overall career record of 17-4 at the national tournament. He wrestled his first four years at 133 pounds, and in his fifth year (COVID) this season, moved up to 141.

“Winning my last match ever is such a good way to go out on top,” Taylor said. “I’ll forever be grateful for this school and what they taught me.”