In traditional Fort Dodge fashion, Gavin Pederson isn’t afraid to put in the work and prove people wrong.

The Dodger senior helped the football program emerge from uncertainty to earn a co-district championship and Class 4A playoff appearance this past fall. In the spring, Pederson was a consistent returning all-state force as the Fort Dodge Stags rugby squad placed at state for a fourth consecutive year.

Pederson’s individual and team success, in his mind, were a direct result of taking nothing for granted.

“Nothing is guaranteed and you have to work hard for everything you earn,” said Pederson, an Iowa Central rugby recruit. “I had different expectations for where both teams would end up (in football and rugby), but I’ve learned through the process that working hard will get you where you were meant to be.

“This is especially evident because I’m a senior and have limited opportunities left (in high school). You never know when it’s your last chance (to take the field).”

Pederson was a first team all-district offensive lineman and co-captain for Fort Dodge on the gridiron. The Dodgers went 7-2 in the regular season and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

“I’m extremely proud of both (squads), but especially football,” Pederson said. “Coming into the season, I wasn’t really sure what we had or where we would be — especially after (losing the home opener to Webster City). Thanks to our coaching and our will to win, we made it into the playoffs.”

Fort Dodge closed the rugby campaign with a strong state performance. The eighth-seeded Stags, who placed fifth Pederson’s freshman year, third in his sophomore campaign and second last season, rallied from a quarterfinal setback to place fifth again.

“It’s a different sense of accomplishment,” Pederson said. “I thought we were the best team in the state coming into the year, and to make it clear, I still believe we are. But we really turned our season around in the second half, going 7-2 down the stretch to prove ourselves. We battled to the very end, and I’m very (satisfied with) how we went out.

“I’m extremely proud of both teams, and have made lifelong friends and brothers in the process.”

Pederson sees a bigger picture in the responsibilities of a student-athlete at FDSH.

“Being a Dodger means making a lasting impact in our community,” said Pederson, also the student body president, the school’s National Honor Society president and active leader in the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes. “My experience here has been full of great people. I hope people say I made a positive impact in their lives, and that I took time to get to know them, no matter who they were.”

Pederson also feels a certain sense of closure with his time winding down in high school, but added, “some advice I’d give to younger kids is to try something new.”

“I wish I would’ve done that more, even though I think I made the most of what I did,” Pederson said. “Also, it’s OK to be uncomfortable, or the first to introduce yourself to a person you don’t know.

“Play as many sports and be involved in as many clubs as possible. That’s how you make the most out of both school and life.”

TIMEOUT WITH GAVIN PEDERSON

Vacation destination: Breckenridge.

People I would like to have dinner with: Jesus Christ and my family.

It would surprise people that I: love to ski.

My sports role model: Aaron Donald.

My everyday role model: my dad.

I can’t go a day without: water, my friends and family and caffeine.

Nickname: Big Red.

Superstition: positive and negative karma is real, which is why I always try to be the best person I can be.

Favorite road trip: going to Minnesota with my best friends.

What are you listening to right now? Ro$ama

Favorites…

Team: anything Fort Dodge and Denver Broncos.

Class: EMT.

Movie: Grown Ups.

Book: Michael Vey series.

Phone app: Snapchat.