Seeing Autumn Elsbury with her hand raised has become quite common over the last few years. At the end of the tournament the result remained the same, victory. PHOTO BY ALI GERBRACHT

CEDAR RAPIDS — What some might call the offseason, Autumn Elsbury calls an opportunity. Hot off her 45-0 undefeated high school season and state championship victory in the 2A 170 pound bracket, she has continued to compete.

Entering into the AAU Girls State Tournament, this wrestling tournament serves as a qualifier for the AAU National Scholastic Duals, which is held in Florida during the summer. With no two class divide and a trip to Florida on the line, the competition is stiff.

Though the school sponsored wrestling is over, Autumn is still training harder than ever. An element of her training that many don’t know about is a wrestling club located in Hiawatha. Autumn will make the near hour drive a few times a week to hone her skills with other area athletes and respected coaches.

Entering the tournament, Autumn was the top seed amongst 25 other girls from around the state. In her first three matches, she won with pins, going through the motions and continuing her streak of dominance. In the semifinals, Autumn picked up a win against Gracie Pickney in a 9-1 match.

In a fun display of cross class action, the Class 1A and 2A state champions met in a clash of the titans. Brooklyn Graham of East Buchanan had a strong showing, but the dominance of Autumn Elsbury was inevitable, even falling 6-2.

PHOTO BY ALI GERBRACHT

After the match Autumn was relieved to have the match against a fellow state champion.

“I’ve had people tell me I had the easy bracket at state. Now there’s no doubt,” she said.

Wrestling has always been a family affair for the Elsbury’s, this event being no different. Autumn won with Maeley and Danny Elsbury in her corner. Danny Elsbury now carries one more accolade to his name after the event, being selected as Team Iowa Coach of the Year. The award was given with a plaque and recognition in front of the crowd.

In discussing his award, Danny Elsbury was appreciative.

“I love going to Florida to coach the girls and they seem to like me as a coach. I’ve made a lot of lifelong friends through coaching. I’m honored to receive this award and keep doing what I love,” he said.

With her sister Maeley in her corner, Autumn Elsbury jumps into the arms of her dad and coach Danny Elsbury after winning the 172 pound bracket at AAU State in Cedar Rapids, earning herself a trip to wrestle in Florida. PHOTO BY ALI GERBRACHT

It was another great weekend of wrestling for the eternally Electric Elsburys.

Danny Elsbury was recognized as the Team Iowa Coach of the Year. His contribution to girls wrestling in Iowa has gone far beyond the guise of his daughters, coaching and impacting the lives of many young women. PHOTO BY ALI GERBRACHT