Submitted photo/Grand View Athletics Former Fort Dodge champion Carson Taylor wrestles for Grand View earlier this season.

DES MOINES — Carson Taylor has experienced a strong start to his collegiate career at Grand View University, and on Monday, the Fort Dodge Senior High graduate was named the Heart of America Athletic Conference wrestler of the week.

Taylor went 3-0 at the CBC Invitational for the Vikings with two falls and a major decision, knocking off the 11th- and 13th-ranked wrestlers in the country.

“Being named conference athlete of the week is cool and definitely feels good,” Taylor said. “I’m excited for what’s to come in the future for me and all my teammates.”

Taylor, who was a state champion for the Dodgers in 2019 and a runner-up in 2020, has put together a solid resume so far for the Vikings. It all came together for him last weekend at 133 pounds in Conway, Ark. The Vikings were teawm champions in the process.

“I felt like this was a good opportunity for me to get better, and realize that there are still things I need to work on,” Taylor said. “Overall I was happy with my results and how I wrestled.

“I love getting the opportunity to get on the mat and compete.”

Taylor, who is 13th on Fort Dodge’s all-time win list with a high school record of 121-19, is off to a 13-3 start for Grand View. Earlier this season, he finished as a runner-up at the York Open.

“I’ve had a ton of fun so far this year,” Taylor said. “Working out with all the guys here is awesome, and I have great practice partners.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has made it difficult to find a routine. Taylor eventually hit his stride, though.

“This season has been weird with COVID and meets getting canceled or popping up out of nowhere,” Taylor said. “We all have to be ready to go whenever. I feel like all of us here are always ready to compete.

“We work our hardest to live the championship lifestyle, as Coach (Nick) Mitchell preaches every day.”

Brooks Cowell (FDSH), Shea Ruffridge (Pocahontas Area), Justin Portillo (Clarion-Goldfield/Dows), Tanner Abbas (Clarion-Goldfield/Dows) and Andrew Hamilton (Algona) are other Messenger-area wrestlers on the GVU roster.