A DODGER LEGEND
Ross at the top of the school\'s all-time charts
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Dreshaun Ross will go down as one of the best athletes to ever walk the halls of Fort Dodge Senior High.
And in the eyes of many, he is No. 1 without much doubt or hesitation.
Ross has a record-setting wrestling track record and an all-state football career, cementing his name as an all-time Dodger.
To no surprise, Ross was named the 2026 Henry Schultz Award winner, given annually to the top Dodger male senior athlete.
"It means a lot to be named the Schultz Award winner," Ross said. "I've seen the other people who have earned it as well…it's very prestigious, and I've looked up to a lot of the (athletes on the list)."
Ross' career on the mat garnered national attention, and his play on the gridiron got him serious Division I football looks. Ultimately, the sport he has competed in and been passionate about since grade school was the path he chose. Ross will wear the Orange and Black of Oklahoma State University beginning this coming season.
As a Dodger, Ross was the school's second four-time state champion, winning a title at 195 pounds, two 220-pound crowns and finishing his career as a heavyweight champ.
"Being a Dodger has meant so much to me," Ross said. "I watched all of my siblings do it, and wanted to be like them."
In his final season on the mat this past winter, Ross went a perfect 35-0 with all 35 victories coming in the first period. He wrapped up his career as the eighth winningest Dodger in history despite missing the majority of his junior campaign with an injury, going 146-2 overall.
Ross joined 2018 FDSH graduate and all-time leader Brody Teske (177-1) as the only four-time state gold medalists in school history. He became the school's 68th state wrestling champion overall.
"It means the world to me (being a four-time state champion)," Ross said after winning his final crown. "It's hard to put into words.
"I'm more proud of the person I am than the outcome of a wrestling tournament, though. There's a lot more to life than just wrestling."
Ross (.9864) finished second behind only Teske (.994) for career win percentage. Teske lost once; Ross dropped two decisions as a freshman -- to current Div. I wrestlers Cole Mirasola and McCrae Hagarty.
Ross closed his prep career with victories in 139 straight matches, finishing with 88 pins and 31 technical falls.
Ross has had a lot of strong influences supporting him along the way.
"All of my coaches -- especially Bobby (Thompson) and TJ (Sebolt) in wrestling -- have been my biggest influences," Ross said. "They (collectively) helped me get to my goal. They've made everything possible, and I'm extremely grateful and blessed to have them."
Dreshaun also left his mark as the final Ross sibling to compete at FDSH. This was the sixth state title for the Ross family and the 14th medal overall.
Dreshaun, Drevon, Damarion and Alexis all reached at least the state semifinals 11 times. Alexis was a three-time finalist with a state crown, two runner-up showings and a third-place medal. Dreshaun earned four golds, and Damarion captured one.
"My family has always been by my side and they're there whenever I need them," Ross said. "They're who I do it for. They've given me everything.
"I wouldn't say anything I won was my best moment. It was winning a state title in the same year with my brother (Damarion in 2024)," Ross said. "I was so excited to watch my brother achieve his goal and all of it unfold."
Ross had a chance to move to Stillwater for his senior year and prepare for OSU, but decided to stay where he was born and raised.
"I was born and raised in Fort Dodge, and it's just something natural to me to love the Dodgers. It's a special place in my heart and I would never want to go to any other school," Ross said after winning his fourth state crown. "Doing it (alongside) Coach (Bobby) Thompson was incredible. He has been more than a coach. He's always been there for more and helped me with anything I'd need.
"I wouldn't want to go out any other way or with anyone else."
Ross finished his football career as a two-time all-state pick -- missing out on a potential third honor due to a shoulder injury in the fall of 2024. As a senior, he was a defensive end selection to go along with his running back pick as a sophomore.
Ross led the entire state in regular-season tackles for loss with 33 and sacks at 13 -- both program records. He also rushed for nearly 800 yards and nine touchdowns at over eight yards per carry.
Ross' advice to future Dodgers is to enjoy the ride first and foremost.
"Focus on having fun," Ross said. "Do it because you love it and are passionate about it.
"It gets hard at times, but you have to understand why you are doing it and have fun doing it."