IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – Iron Mountain High School Senior Shayna Hruska, the Upper Peninsula’s first female wrestler to clinch a winning trophy in the U.P. finals, marks another career milestone today. Joined by her family, including her parents Chasity and Steve, friends, faculty and coaches Cory McLaren and Brandon Stroud, Hruska signs her official National Letter of Intent to wrestle with Davenport University, a Division II team in Grand Rapids.
Winding down her final chapter as a Mountaineer, Hruska reflects on her journey. “Now that we’re moving on, it makes me really sad, but I know we’ll still be there for each other,” she stated, adding: “We’re all still going to be supporting each other, and we’ll still hang out, and we’ll still have the friendship, so I’m grateful for that.”
Hruska, a 3-time Michigan State medalist and voted MVP wrestler at the U.P. finals in 2023, expresses excitement about her future. “I’m excited to start a new chapter, and a different level of wrestling, and I definitely want to get better, so I’m excited for that,” she shared.
Attending Davenport on an academic and athletic scholarship, Hruska plans to study pre-med in radiology. Excelling both on and off the mat, she earned high honors status in the classroom this school year.
Hruska had her career 100th win this year near the end of her season against a Wisconsin opponent. She ended her high school career on the podium, placing 5th in the girls’ Individual State Finals at Ford Field, and helped lead her team to the team state finals in Kalamazoo. Reflecting on her achievements, Hruska acknowledges her part as a role model for other young girls in the sport. “Yeah, I believe I am,” she affirms. “Definitely, if they want to try wrestling or practicing, and they won’t be scared if they see someone else do it.”
As she embarks on this new journey, Hruska reassures her community, “For sure,” when asked if she’ll come back to Iron Mountain to visit.
Photos Courtesy: Maryssa Gussert, IMHS
