COUNCIL BLUFFS — Like approaching the weather in Iowa over the weekend, the Fort Dodge wrestling team continues to inch forward with cautious optimism — knowing better days are still to come.

The seventh-ranked (IAwrestle) Dodgers braved the elements with 40 other schools at the Council Bluffs Classic, arriving to icy conditions on Friday and driving home late Saturday facing very similar elements. In between, head coach Bobby Thompson’s squad placed sixth overall with 310.5 points — finishing just behind the top team from Iowa, fifth-rated Waukee Northwest (324.5).

Senior Koy Davidson and sophomore Joe Constable both reached the finals, with Davidson rallying to defeat two-time Kansas state champion and Army West Point recruit Easton Broxterman for gold at 144 pounds. Constable ran out of steam in his gold-medal match versus top-seeded Evan Sorensen of Atlantic and settled for runner-up honors at 285.

“I think we made a lot of progress across the board, really,” Thompson said. “Whether we had guys wrestling for titles or on the backside, they competed hard. That’s the point we’re trying to get across early in the season — it’s not as much about the results as getting after it and improving against quality opponents. When you challenge yourself and fight through (the adversity), good things happen.

“We’re battling with the kids we do have, even though we’re still not where we need to be health wise. But that will change as long as we stay focused on the task at hand and find the right pace.”

The No. 1 (IAwrestle) Davidson (12-1), an Oregon State University recruit, trailed 4-0 into the third period against Broxterman — a Washburn Rural top-ranked senior star. Davidson then hit Broxterman with a late seven-point flurry and ultimately prevailed, 7-5.

“Koy’s still not 100 percent, coming off of knee surgery (this past offseason),” Thompson said. “But you’re never going to have to wonder what kind of effort you’re going to get from him. He’s just relentless. Koy always goes the full six (minutes).

“He kept his composure and didn’t panic, then hit (Broxterman) with that barrage.”

The eighth-rated Constable (10-3) reeled off six consecutive victories to earn a title matchup with the No. 2 (Class 2A) Sorensen.

“It was 3-3 after two periods. Joe was right there,” Thompson said. “This was a huge tournament for his confidence. He came out of a really challenging bracket and had big wins in the quarterfinals and semifinals.

“Joe is really coming into his own. He could be a force for us during the second half (of the season).”

Sophomore Trace Rial (10-3), ranked seventh at 106 pounds, took third for FDSH. Juniors Rylee Brown (7-7 at 157) and seventh-rated Jesse Egli (9-4 at 175) were both fourth.

“Trace lost a tough semifinal match (to second-ranked Zander Manz of Council Bluffs Lewis Central) but bounced back,” Thompson said. “He’s been getting better and tougher. Rylee was in the silver bracket here last year, then reached the semis (this season). That’s big and shows his physical and mental growth.

“Jesse’s starting to look the part as an upperclassman. You can see him turning a corner. He keeps growing physically and mentally.”

Freshman Damien Yeoman (8-6) was 11th at 113 for the Dodgers and “continues to battle and learn,” Thompson added.

“We saw a lot of talent from a lot of different places in Iowa and all over (the midwest),” Thompson said. “We’re building momentum heading into the Don Miller (FDSH Invitational) this week.”

Thompson also provided an update on two-time defending state gold medalist Dreshaun Ross, the Dodgers’ star junior who has been sidelined since early August after undergoing shoulder surgery.

“He might be back by (the) Cedar Rapids (Jefferson Invitational on January 18),” Thompson said. “We’ll see. (Ross’s recovery) is going well. He feels good and is chomping at the bit, but we also have to do what’s best for him and his long-term health.

“Dreshaun has been with us every week, showing his leadership. He’s been right there like another coach for us. I know he can’t wait to get back and it’s going to take some time for him to build back up his stamina, but in the meantime, he’s helped out any way he can for the good of the program.”

Lincoln (Neb.) East was the overall Council Bluffs Classic champion with 418.5 points, followed by Grand Island (Neb.) with 370, Washburn (Kan.) Rural at 365, Kearney (Neb.) at 346, Waukee Northwest and the Dodgers.

The Don Miller Invitational, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, starts at 10 a.m. in the Dodger gym on Saturday.