Each year the Ellsworth Community College Athletic Department names an Outstanding Male and Female Athlete of the Year. This award is presented to students who exhibit exceptional behavior both in the classroom and on the field/court. This year three recipients are being honored due to a tie for the Male Athlete of the Year: Bradi Yost (softball), Ryan Guthrie (football) and Jordan Gundrum (wrestling).

The award is determined as each head coach nominates one athlete from each team and submits a list of his/her accomplishments. Once the names and accomplishments are submitted, all head coaches and athletic department personnel vote a second time for the male and female they think are most deserving.  

Yost was awarded 1^st Team All-Region Utility player as a freshman and ICCAC 1^st Team All-Academic. She has a current GPA of 3.8 and is projected to received All-Academic again this season. Yost is from Parkersburg, IA.

ECC Head Softball coach Nate Forsyth commented, "I am very excited that Bradi won the award. She has had an outstanding career and is a true leader of our softball program. This is a great way to cap her career off at ECC."

Guthrie was a two time All-American, All-Conference Honorable mention in 2015, and 1^st Team All-Conference in 2016. He led the country in tackles for a loss (TFL), 107 solo tackles (1^st in the nation), 139 total tackles, 7.5 sacks and 4 fumble recoveries. Guthrie is from Forsyth County, GA. He is now attending Syracuse University.

"This is a well-deserved award," commented ECC Head Football Coach Jesse Montalto. "Ryan has done everything right while at ECC."

Gundrum is a 2016 All-American National Runner-up, 2017 All-American placing 6^th, 1^st Team Academic All-Region in both 2015 and 2016, NJCAA Exemplary Academic Achievement Award in 2016, and was a dorm resident assistant. He is from West Bend, WI, and will be transferring to Upper Iowa University in Fayette.

"Jordan is the perfect example of the complete student-athlete," commented ECC Head Wrestling Coach Cole Spree. "He was both a two-time academic and athletic All-American for Ellsworth. It has been an honor to coach and have him be part of our program."

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Photo Caption: Ryan Guthrie, Bradi Yost and Jordan Gundrum.