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Bly signs to Simpson College baseball team

South Tama senior Jordan Bly (seated, center) was joined by family and coaches for his official commitment to continue his athletic career at Simpson College next year. Pictured are (standing, from left) Bly’s grandfather Scott Tow, brother Jayden Bly, grandmother Vickie Douglas, STC head coach Seth Koch, brother Jaxson Bly; seated: mother Trisha Tow, Jordan Bly and father Josh Bly. – Photo by Darvin Graham

A childhood dream is closer to becoming reality for one South Tama student-athlete.

On April 1 STC senior catcher Jordan Bly signed to continue his athletic career at Simpson College next school year.

“It’s a surreal feeling,” Bly said. “Honestly, it’s something you like to dream of and you work for it. And then when it actually happens, it’s kind of a feeling of disbelief. The decision was easy to make after making a visit down there. Meeting the coaching staff who are really good people just made it an easy call.”

Bly started all 22 conference games in 2021 and hit .328 for the Trojans, collecting 22 hits in 67 at-bats against strong competition. Scoring three runs and driving in 12, he hit 14 singles and eight doubles. He had an on-base percentage of .357 and struck out just 12 times.

This year he will be among a strong contingent of seniors looking for one more chance at the state tournament after coming inches away from qualifying two years ago.

STC senior Jordan Bly is surrounded by family and his high school coach as he signs his letter of intent to play baseball next year for the Simpson Storm. -- Photo by Darvin Graham

“I want to make this season memorable,” Bly said. “We got really close our sophomore year. It’s gonna be a tough run for us but anything can happen. I really wish we could make a tournament. That’s the goal every year.”

Bly said one of his personal goals this season is to hit a home run, a milestone he’s been working toward with off-season strength and conditioning work as well as attending camps and spending time practicing his swing.

“I think Coach Roling at Simpson is getting not only a good baseball player, but an outstanding young man,” South Tama head coach Seth Koch said. “This is well deserved with all the time and effort Jordan has dedicated to becoming a better baseball player over the last four years. Could not be happier for Jordan and wish him the best of luck at Simpson.”

Through the first half of their season, the Simpson Storm are out to a 10-9 overall record under the leadership of head coach Nathan Roling who has been with the program for six seasons.

Bly will join a roster of over 40 players next year at Simpson, a group that’s primarily made up of former Iowa high school players.

“They’re bringing in a lot of commits this year and I feel like we should be a competitive team next year,” Bly said. “They had a good start this year so far, and hopefully it carries out the rest of the season and into next year with all of us.”