A career in wrestling makes history
This year marks 100 years of national Black History observances, honoring the individuals, movements, and traditions that have preserved Black history and shaped cultural identity, pride, and resilience.
Devon Furston, head wrestling coach at Justin F. Kimball High School, has built a championship program rooted in unity. A former student-athlete and Kimball alumnus, Fortson has dedicated nearly four decades to the sport of wrestling and is now making history. In recognition of his lasting influence on students and the wrestling community, he will be inducted into the 2026 Texas High School Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Honor.
“When I found out about the honor, I was reminded how everything happens in due time,” he said. “In due time, you’ll get your flowers—you’ll get your reward for the hard work you do. I’m glad I was able to see it in my lifetime. I’ve had success, but in the beginning it’s hard to say how you are going to climb the ladder.”
As a student, Fortson was named Kimball High School’s Class of 1989 Most Valuable Athlete. He competed year-round in football, track, and wrestling, which is the sport that ultimately defined his career path. When he transitioned into coaching, Fortson was intentional about being known as a wrestling professional committed to growth and mentorship, he said.
During Fortson’s days as a student, Kimball High School was becoming integrated in an environment of racial tension across Dallas he said. He recalled how student athletes played a key role in shaping a culture of unity and respect for one another
“One thing that made Kimball successful was that we got along,” Fortson said. “There was still racial tension going on in the late ’70s, but we used sports to change that dynamic here at Kimball. We saw what was happening throughout the city, but we made a conscious effort to say we weren’t going to let that happen at our school. At the time, we considered ourselves the best melting pot of people getting along in high school. Everyone was able to sit across from someone that didn’t look like them, and say—‘that’s my brother too.’”
The journey to becoming a Hall of Honor inductee began after high school. He attended Richland Junior College and continued wrestling. He earned a full scholarship to Ranger Junior College, FortsonCollege Fortson and continued his education at West Texas State University, taking up football and earning a Division I scholarship.
In 1997, Fortson returned home to Kimball High School as a teacher’s assistant. One year later, he founded the wrestling program, laying the groundwork for what would become one of the district’s most consistent athletic programs.
Today, Fortson continues to share valuable lessons with his students, telling them everyone is capable of learning, regardless of background, he said. Girls’ wrestling is one of the fastest growing high school sports in the nation, ranking second only to girls flag football in participation and growth. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, girls wrestling increased by 1000 participants in 2025 alone, with more than 74,000 students competing nationwide.
“I got our girls to try wrestling by inviting them to learn self-defesnse,” he said. “And it worked out well. One of our girls made history in Dallas ISD when she became a wrestling state champion two years in a row. She is the only student to ever accomplish this.”
With the support of a dedicated coaching staff, Forston has led Kimball’s wrestling teams to the UIL Wrestling State Tournament for 23 consecutive years.
Forston’s induction ceremony will take place later this month at the 2026 UIL State Wrestling Tournament, marking a full-circle moment of recognition grounded in the same community and school where his journey began.
“I’ve been asked to go to other places and start programs,” he said, “But I’ve always stayed here at Kimball, and stayed true to my roots for 28 years.”
