IOWA FALLS – Ellsworth Community College wrestler Jordan Gundrum is excited to announce his signing to continue his wrestling and academic career at Upper Iowa University in Fayette.

Upper Iowa was the first school to reach out to Gundrum and show an interest in having him at their college. They were persistent and won him over when they were able to offer him a full ride scholarship. "Upper Iowa was the closest to home that offered me a full ride," says Gundrum. "I knew for sure they wanted me when they offered that."

When he visited the campus he was very impressed. "They have new housing built in the last couple of years, as well as some great athletic facilities." He also really liked the coaches and the wrestling program as a whole. "The coaches are really down-to-earth and are involved with the athletes. They also have a successful wrestling program."

When looking for a school to sign with after Ellsworth, Gundrum had already made the decision he wanted to wrestle at a DII school and not DI. "I want to go to a school where the education is the first priority and then wrestling. You don't have that with a DI program."

Gundrum has enjoyed his time at ECC. "I have learned a ton of stuff here on the mat as well as in the classroom. I have also made a lot of friends that I will stay in contact with after I leave. I have enjoyed the smaller campus … it really feels like it is its own place." 

Head Wrestling Coach Cole Spree had nothing but good things to say about Gundrum. "He is one of the most balanced individuals I have ever coached. He will be able to compete at the highest level on the mat as well as the highest academic level for athletics. He is just a well-rounded individual and will be successful no matter what."