CLINTON, Iowa - The progressing Ashford University women's bowling team added a key piece of the puzzle to the future in recent history, keeping local ties by signing Katelyn Tharp of Eldridge, for next season.

Tharp is the second signee in Ashford Head Coach Brian Swanson's second recruiting haul, adding to Tricia Zimmerman of Plainfield, Ill.

With her senior year yet to be played out, Tharp enters her final stretch as the defending Iowa Class 1A State champion at North Scott Senior High School.

Coached by her mother, Marie, Tharp thrived with all-district and MAC all-conference honorable mention accolades last year while helping her squad on the lanes to a regional title.

"If she can be out there four or five times a week, that's exactly what she's doing," said North Scott coach Marie Tharp, as quoted Jan. 18 in the Quad City Times. "She's bowling in every tournament she can get her hands on."

As a sophomore, Tharp was an individual state qualifier and helped take North Scott as a team to the state tournament.

Tharp chose Ashford over strong interest from St. Ambrose University and Mt. Mercy University. The daughter of Mike and Marie, she plans to begin her studies in Health Administration next fall.

2011 Ashford Women's Bowling Signing Class
Katelyn Tharp - Eldridge, Iowa (North Scott H.S.)
Tricia Zimmerman - Plainfield, Ill. (Plainfield Central H.S.)