COUNCIL BLUFFS — The final chapter was the perfect ending for Alexis Ross.

The Fort Dodge Senior High graduate first helped pave the way for girls wrestling as a Dodger.

And when Iowa Central added women’s wrestling, she helped spearhead the growth there as well.

On Saturday night, Ross further cemented her name as a trailblazer for wrestling in the Fort Dodge community.

“I am beyond grateful to be on the forefront of women’s wrestling for the Fort Dodge community, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Ross said. “Fort Dodge has always shown me tremendous support.

“It’s truly a great feeling to have the town be there for you. I thank them for that.”

Ross became the first FDSH graduate to win a national title as she claimed the 138-pound crown for the Tritons. The top seed earned a win on criteria over No. 2 seed Julia Chambers of Iowa Western in the finals.

Once her hand was raised, it marked the end of Ross’s storied career.

“When my hand was raised it was one of the best, most unexplainable feelings I’ve ever had,” Ross said. “This was the last match of my career, and a great ending to my story.”

Ross quickly acknowledged her family and close friends after capturing gold.

“It means a lot to win the national title,” Ross said. “This was for more than just me…also, the people who have been with me throughout this journey, especially my family.

“They have sacrificed for me to be the wrestler and person I am today.”

Without those people in her corner, Ross knows this story wouldn’t be possible.

“That support system always being there for me makes every win and accomplishment that much sweeter,” Ross added.

Ross earned four victories over the weekend to claim the title, a year after finishing third in the nation for the Tritons.

In the first round, she earned a 10-0 technical fall in three minutes over Faith Torres of Fort Hays. Next up was a 10-0 (5:08) tech fall over No. 10 Clara Sapienza of Southeast.

In the quarterfinal round, Ross scored an 11-0 (4:18) tech fall over Eliana Balderrama of Joliet. To reach the finals, she continued her dominance over No. 5 seed Daeja Sundqust of Iowa Western, beating her for the third time this season in a fall of 1:48.

Things tightened up in the championship round during the rubber match against Chambers. The rivals met twice this season, with both athletes earning decisions.

This time around, Ross came out on top. Chambers recorded the first takedown early. Ross’ second period takedown came a minute in, was the deciding factor in the criteria.

“Alexis has done so much in helping get this program built and to continue to solidify the program as a whole,” said ICCC head coach Zak Hensely. “She has helped build the community relationship for the program.

“She is a great person, and she’s had a tremendous impact with the way she finished her career.”

With her wrestling career done, Ross will continue her education at Iowa Central.

“I plan to go to Iowa Central for one more year to continue my nursing degree and get my RN,” Ross said. “As I do this, I also plan to still pop in on all of the practices in Fort Dodge for the women’s programs, like the middle and high school and also the little girls club here in town.”