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The Gazette’s 2025 Male Athlete of the Year finalists
Mason Bechen of North Linn, Tiernan Boots of Lisbon, Ryker Dengler of West Liberty, Rayce Heitman of Williamsburg and Mason Woods of Iowa City West
Jul. 6, 2025 6:00 am, Updated: Jul. 7, 2025 1:45 pm
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The five finalists for The Gazette’s 2025 Male Athlete of the Year:
Mason Bechen, North Linn
The school’s all-time career scoring leader in basketball, with 1,823 points, averaging 30.0 per game in his senior season. A two-time first-team all-state selection. Came into his senior baseball season as a .418 career hitter with a 19-3 pitching record, earning first-team all-state honors as a junior, second-team as a sophomore and freshman. Rushed for 900 yards and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore; injuries slowed his final two football seasons. State track qualifier in two events as a sophomore, then a two-time all-conference golfer.
Entering the work force to become an electrician.
Tiernan Boots, Lisbon
A member of three consecutive Class 1A state-championship track and field teams. Won 12 state medals, five of which were gold (all in relays). Compiled a career wrestling record of 185-31, advancing to the state finals as a senior, when he was 51-3 with 38 pins. He was fourth as a junior, fifth as a freshman. A four-year letterwinner in football, earning second-team all-state accolades as a senior. School career leader in touchdowns (37). Ran for 1,805 yards as a senior with 29 TDs.
Will play football at run track at Marian (Ind.) University.
Ryker Dengler, West Liberty
Highlighted a five-sport career with a Class 2A state championship in the 400-meter hurdles in May. An 11-time state qualifier in track, he also placed in the shuttle hurdle relay and 110-meter hurdles as a senior. A dual-sport athlete in the winter, he won 137 career wrestling matches, placing sixth at 165 pounds as a senior. Meanwhile, on the basketball court, he averaged 17.6 points as a senior and finished with 704 career points. Passed for more than 3,000 career yards in football, and was a two-time first-team all-conference pick in baseball.
Will play football at Coe College.
Rayce Heitman, Williamsburg
The Gazette area football player of the year, and the Class 3A state player of the year. He caught 61 passes for 1,073 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior. Finished his career with 47 touchdowns, 32 receiving. An 11-time state qualifier in track and field, including a 4x200 championship as a freshman. As a senior, he was fourth in the Class 3A 400 meters, fifth in the sprint medley relay. Second-team all-Wamac Conference honors in basketball and baseball.
Will play football at the University of Iowa.
Mason Woods, Iowa City West
Named West’s male athlete of the year after shining brightly in two sports. First-team Class 5A all-state in football after catching 54 passes for 1,057 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Class 4A state long jump champion, leaping more than 23 feet. Owns West records in the long jump and the sprint medley relay.
Will play football at the University of Iowa.
Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com
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