Photo by Ross Thede, Marshalltown Times-Republican: Bobby Thompson coaches during a Fort Dodge match at Marshalltown on Thursday night.

MARSHALLTOWN — Bobby Thompson was born a Dodger and will always be a Dodger.

For the 20 past seasons, Thompson has been a mainstay of Fort Dodge wrestling, linking its past to the present and future student-athletes at FDSH.

On Thursday, the veteran head coach reached a career milestone by earning his 300th victory in a dual against long-time rival Marshalltown.

Thompson won’t say much about what he has accomplished, but rather, how his team did on this night and what they have to do to get to the next level.

Dodger assistant coach Tanner Utley has been by Thompson’s side for the last 10 seasons. He’s seen what the program means to Thompson, and what Thompson means to the program.

“I’ve been in the trenches with Bobby over this last decade. His passion for these kids is unmatched,” Utley said. “I’ve seen the raw emotion behind the scenes. Bobby is one that doesn’t publicize his emotions…he can be hard to read on the surface.

“His level of care for the kids is immense and unparalleled.”

Thompson has kept wrestling in his blood since graduating from FDSH in 1983.

“Wrestling puts you through a rollercoaster of emotions. You have some kids who get what they want, and others who come up short. It’s not like many other team sports,” Utley said. “Navigating that is challenging. When you see Bobby behind the scenes, both matter a lot. He’s there for kids at all times.”

As a wrestler, Thompson was a state runner-up and third-place finisher for the Dodgers.

“Fort Dodge wrestling has been a key part of his life since his adolescent years. It’s never wavered,” Utley said. “His decades of commitment are obvious, but there is so much more than what you see (in public). He always says he doesn’t have a hobby outside of this and he’s right. This is his dedication.”

Utley sees Thompson as the level-headed, wise beacon of the program.

“He’s been a great person and coach to lean on for kids and myself, given the emotions this sport brings out of us,” Utley said. “He has a rare knack and a gut instinct for this sport. And he’s made a life service to Fort Dodge wrestling. But if you ask him, he’s gotten a lot more out of this program than he’s given.

“We talk all the time about how lucky we have been to be around the kids our town has produced through the years. Bobby’s bond with Fort Dodge wrestling is part of the very fabric of who he is.”

For over 30 years of coaching, Thompson has tried to make sure the kids work hard, but also, kept things enjoyable in the room.

“He keeps the mood light, but very competitive,” Utley said. “I think if you ask him, regardless of wins or losses, he takes the most pride if kids have a good experience in the program. He wants it to be a family.

“It’s a special place. He’s created that atmosphere where it’s welcoming and an opportunity to be yourself while competing at a high level.”