The first-ever South Tama boys’ cross country team to advance for state poses with its banner after finishing second at the Class 3A state-qualifying meet at Veterans Memorial Golf Club in Clear Lake. Pictured, from left, are Holden Schirmer, Barrett Jesina, Braxten Rohrs, Tommy Tyynismaa, Cade Rosenberger and James Brant. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Another school year has come and gone, so here’s a look back at STC’s most memorable sports moments of 2023-2024.
Cross country qualifies for state as a team for the first time ever
A group of five seniors and one sophomore set out this fall with one goal in mind, becoming the first cross country team in school history to qualify for the state meet. With that idea in mind, the group of hardworking boys set out and ran towards their goal. En route the team won two meets, traveled out of state to chase big meet experience, and took home second at the district meet to earn their spot on the start line in Fort Dodge. The Trojan cross country team placed 11th in the 3A state meet with Tommy Tyynismaa a four time individual qualifier leading the group with a 7th place finish. One mile at a time, history was made.
Kaden Timm snaps 14-year STC state tennis drought
Kaden Timms court awareness and skill with a racket put an end to a 14 year state tennis drought for the Trojans. Having plenty of experience playing #1 singles for the Trojans over multiple years, Timm was ready, willing, and able to make history. A love for the game of tennis changed his life and led him to be one of 16 1A state tennis singles qualifiers. Plenty of work and lessons in the winter were the keys to Timm’s success, leaving a lasting legacy on the STC tennis courts.
Middle school softball wins NICL Tournament
Coached by Chelsea Ahrens and Ander Rutledge the MS girls softball team made an impressive tear through the NICL Tournament. Starting as the lowest seed, the Trojans faced all the heavy hitters and prevailed. East Marshall, GMG, and Owelwin, all fell as the girls ran their way to a conference title. The future looks bright for the STC Softball program
Trojans enjoy more success at girls state wrestling
The fastest growing sport in Iowa is without a doubt girls wrestling. In its second year of being sanctioned STC saw four state qualifiers, the Electric Elsburys along with returning qualifier Abigail Chyma and newcomer Kinley Jimenez. Chyma and Jimenez gained more good experience wrestling at the highest level but were knocked out early in the tournament. With a torn ACL but a fully intact spirit, senior and returning state champ at 135 pounds, Maeley Elsbury battled her way to a third place finish. She ends her career at STC as not only the schools first ever girls state wrestling championship but the state’s first ever champion at 135, along with two other top three finishes, one coming in the previous contested event before the state sanctioned the event.
Autumn Elsbury went on an absolute tear through her tournaments only being stopped in the finals. Going against the number one seed and returning state champion Autumn Elsbury wrestled her heart out in the finals, next season she will be the top returner as only a junior.
State track: Tyynismaa, Brant end Trojan careers on a high note
Off the back of STC’s distance running success, state track was no different. Qualifying five events, the Trojans saw plenty of medals Coming away with a runner up finish and school record in the 4×800, 3rd place finish and school record in the distance medley relay the Trojans were on quite a hot streak headed into individual events. In the 800 meter run, Tommy Tyynismaa repeated his 2nd place finish from the year prior after battling a stress fracture in the early season. In his three appearances in the open 800 at state, Tyynismaa finished no lower than third. James Brant joined Tyynismaa in the 1600 meter run, and with clear skies and blistering heat, the duo fought their way to a 7th and 12th place finish. STC distance running will look very different next year with the departure of the senior class.
ESports 3/3 qualifiers for state MarioKart8 Deluxe qualifications
Esports has become a mainstay at STC in their three years of sanctioned action, with this year being no different. Having the addition of ’23 graduate and MCC Esports team member Roman Hill added to the coaching staff, helped connect with the young team. Returning after last year’s 4th place finish, the team was in a rebuilding period with many previous JV players stepping up to the plate. Returning to the state tournament the team achieved a 9th place finish and brought home a new IAHSEA Banner to hang in the school.
Boys state wrestling: Bridgewater finishes as runner-up
Boys wrestling comes with a tradition of excellence at STC, with another year of multiple qualifiers. The team sent MaCael Bear, Amare Chavez, Gavin Bridgewater, Cael Graff, and Cyrus Mathes to the Wells Fargo Arena in February. Chavez and Bridgewater both made the way onto the podium. Chavez ended his senior campaign with a 6th place finish at 126 pounds, his wrestling career includes three podium finishes at the state wrestling tournament. Gavin Bridgewater ended his STC athletics career with a runner up finish at 215 pounds, adding to his previous runner up and third place finishes.
Collegiate commitments
Three wrestlers, two distance runners, and a football player will continue their STC athletics success at the collegiate level. The STC Class of 2024 proved to be one for the history books, bringing home a state title, plenty of podium finishes, and the first ever state cross country qualifying team, this elite group of small town athletes will be taking their talents to the next level starting in the fall. These athletes include MaCael Bear, James Brant, Amare Chavez, Maeley Elsbury, Kyan McBride, and Tommy Tyynismaa.
Boys basketball improves under new coaching staff
Trojan boys basketball took a big step forward this year, seeing a list of fresh faces both on the sidelines and on the court helped the Trojans compete at higher levels. A completely new coaching staff was assembled, Craig Harrison stepped up as head coach with Assistant Coaches Dave Wiese and Justin Gates. Five of the eight players on the varsity level for the Trojans hadn’t participated in the sport or on the high school level in the previous year. With fresh faces across the board the Trojans achieved their most winning season since 2018. A highlight of the season was a last second buzzer beater from Cade Rosenberger to achieve STC’s first win over Center Point-Urbana since 2018.
