Pictured in the front row, left to right, sister Autumn Elsbury, dad Danny Elsbury, Maeley Elsbury and mom Brintley Elsbury. Back row, left to right, are William Penn coaches Cash Wilcke and Jake Kadel, Head Girls Coach Jason Arp, Head Boys Coach Nate Van Dyke and William Penn coach Mia Palumbo.

South Tama senior Maeley Elsbury signed her letter of intent last Monday to wrestle next year at William Penn University in Oskaloosa Elsbury is a two-time state place winner in wrestling for the Trojans.

She finished third place as a senior at the state meet and was a state champion at 135 pounds in her junior season which made her South Tama’s first ever female state champion. During her high school career Elsbury was a three sport athlete, participating in cross country, wrestling, and soccer.

When asked about her experience with college recruiting, she talked about the process.

“I really had to decide what was going to be most important for me in college and find a place where I could do all that I wanted to do,” she said. “I’m confident that the coaches at William Penn really care and are the best fit for me, the girls wrestling team there I also think will fit me best.”

When asked about how the STC community has helped her get this opportunity to wrestle at the next level, Elsbury gave high praise.

“I’m grateful for how supportive the community has been to me during my wrestling seasons and with my college decision, I’ve had several people share experiences and advice we me which I’m thankful for,” she said.

Elsbury was also quick to mention some specific people that have done a lot for her during her high school career.

“My parents went to all my college visits with me and were really supportive throughout the whole process, also coach Van Dyke and Arp helped me get my wrestling abilities to where it’s at,” she said.

Finally, Elbury commented on some goals she has and things she is excited for next year.

“I’m excited to be a part of a girls team where we all have similar goals and my hope is to win a national title as a team and individually during my college career,” she said.

The South Tama community wishes good luck to Elsbury and is excited to see the success she’ll have in the wrestling seasons to come at William Penn.