By their own admission, the Fort Dodge wrestling team still feels like it has a lot to prove.

Whether it be unfinished business from a few, or a chance to set foot on the big state for the first time — this group of Dodgers is ready to make their own mark.

For the fourth time since 2017, Fort Dodge will have double-digit qualifiers on the mat inside Wells Fargo Arena. Coach Bobby Thompson’s squad is taking a solid group of 10 to Des Moines.

“This is a great group of guys from freshmen to seniors,” Thompson said. “They know what they want and they have Dodger wrestling running through their blood. They’ve all had fathers, brothers or relatives that have been in the room, so they want to continue to carry that on.

“You’re happy you get 10 through, but are disappointed for the other three who didn’t.”

The third-ranked Dodgers crowned six district champions, with three runner-ups and a third-place performer.

Fort Dodge earned district gold with 212.5 points, finishing ahead of West Des Moines Valley (183.5).

Freshman Sam Davidson (106), second-rated junior Dru Ayala (113), 11th-ranked senior Max Bishop (120), No. 5 sophomore Koy Davidson (138), third-rated junior Damarion Ross (160) and top-ranked freshman Dreshaun Ross (195) all claimed top district honors.

Seventh-ranked junior Kane Butrick (126), freshman Rylee Brown (132) and fifth-rated junior Cal Hartman (170) were all silver medalists.

Freshman Jesse Egli, qualified after taking bronze at 152.

Bishop (28-11) is the first four-time FDSH qualifier since Drake Ayala. He will look for his third medal.

“It’s great, but there is still work to do before the state tournament,” Bishop said. “I love these guys. We all can talk to each other about anything and we all support each other every day.”

The Dodger senior didn’t allow a point as he earned two falls and a major decision. Bishop pinned Le Mars’ Brock Hessenius in 38 seconds of the final.

“Max knows when to peak,” Thompson said. “He got fourth last year and this is his senior year, so he is going to let it fly because this is it.”

Ayala (34-2), who was a state runner-up in 2022, is making his third state trip.

“It feels good to head back to the Well and I’m really grateful for the nine guys with me,” Ayala said. “We are going to prove that we are up there with the best.”

Ayala had a technical fall, a fall, then pinned Danny Cleveland of Sioux City East in 1:40 of the final at 113.

“Dru is special,” Thompson said. “He attacks and attacks. He is focused on the state tournament and getting that carrot at the end.”

Damarion Ross (40-3) beat Dowling’s Max Dirks 15-6 in the semifinals. He continued his hot streak against fifth-rated Cinsere Clark of Valley.

After a 1-1 tie through SV-1, Ross recorded an escape and takedown in TB-1 for the victory.

Ross is now a three-time state qualifier.

“Damarion has put a lot of time in and he is reaping the benefits,” Thompson said. “He is focused and ready to get back.”

Davidson (28-5), who like Ayala was a finalist a year ago, won his matches by fall and major decision. He beat Valley’s Owen Walker 15-6 in the finals.

“Koy is young and ready to get back,” Thompson said. “This is the week that he has been looking toward.”

Hartman (36-11) reached the championship match and lost a tight 5-4 decision to Valley’s Mason Wray.

“Cal lost a tough match that he could have won in the finals,” Thompson said. “He just has to wash that away and start fresh next week.”

Hartman fought back to finish as the true-second place finisher with a fall in 56 seconds over Spencer’s Jace Fullhart.

Butrick (28-15) reached the finals with a fall and a decision.

“It means a lot to make it this year,” Butrick said. “It was my goal all off season to qualify. Now that I made it, my focus is to keep working and place at the state tournament.”

He lost to Valley’s fourth-ranked Nate Bierman for gold, 12-7.

“Kane is one move away from winning those close matches,” Thompson said. “When he wrestles a full six minutes, he is tough to beat.”

Junior Bo Cowell (145) and senior Keaton Nichols (285) reached the semifinals.

Cowell lost to Keagan Kayser of Le Mars, but bounced back with a 5-0 decision over Sioux City North’s Noah Caldwell to move to the blood round. Cowell was eliminated from the field by losing by fall.

Nichols (26-15) won by fall in the quarters, but lost to third-rated Logan Huckfelt (33-3) of Spencer in the semifinals. Nichols was eliminated by Sioux City West’s Kaden Buss.

Senior Collin Munter (20-25) lost his first match, but bounced back with an 8-5 decision over Kaeden Larson of Storm Lake. He was then eliminated by Jacob Mohler of Valley.

“It’s always a difficult time for some of our guys,” Thompson said. “Both Collin and Keaton have been with the program for four years and stuck it out. You can’t replace kids like that.

“Bo had an injury, but stuck it out and came back to wrestle.”

The state tournament will begin on Wednesday for the Dodgers inside Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Class 3A action begins at 6 p.m.