Ryker Dengler of West Liberty is The Gazette’s 2025 Male Athlete of the Year

WEST LIBERTY — Ryker Dengler never really enjoyed an offseason.

Involvement superseded idleness every year, every season at West Liberty. Dengler remained busy, juggling the demands of football, wrestling, basketball, track and baseball with academics and leadership.

Dengler offered advice for aspiring student-athletes.

“Do it all,” he said. “I don't have a single regret about doing every sport that I did. It builds connections. It just makes you a well-rounded person. Outside of sports, you just know work ethic and time management. So, do as much as you can.”

His versatility and dedication has made him one of the rarest of multisport athletes, competing and excelling in five varsity sports in a single school year. Dengler was voted The Gazette’s 2025 Male Athlete of the Year. He is the first Comet to win the male award and joins former West Liberty standout Macy Daufeldt, who was named the 2022 Female Athlete of the Year.

“It does mean a lot,” Dengler said about the honor. “I wasn't necessarily working for it, but it’s kind of a reward that came with all of the hard work put into it.”

In an era that has spawned specialization, Dengler refused to sacrifice any of his titles — quarterback, grappler, guard, hurdler, shortstop, scholar and mentor. He took each role seriously and thrived in all of them.

“Ryker never ceases to amaze us,” said Stephanie Dengler, Ryker’s mother. “We are extremely proud of him on and off the field, mat (or) court. We love to watch him compete.”

The demands were constant, transitioning from one workout to the other.

“There are a lot of early mornings and long nights,” Dengler said. “I have to go to a basketball or a wrestling practice or any of these practices and then I'd know that maybe there's an open gym for baseball, an open field for football to run some routes and throw passes. It’s kind of like all these sports help each other out in their own little way.”

West Liberty wrestling coach Ian Alke called Ryker the total package, while Comets head football coach Jason Dumont described him as a great kid. He was determined to be his best but attempted to elevate others as well.

“He’s likable, respected by his peers, and a natural leader,” Alke said. “He’s a role model, not just in athletics, but also in the classroom. Academically strong, dependable, and always setting the tone for others. He makes everyone around him better.”

Stephanie said she didn’t ask Ryker to scale back his activities, admitting she lost sleep over it when he sprained both ankles or when he was cutting weight while playing basketball. Stephanie and her husband, Rob, decided to let him make his own decisions.

“I’m so glad we did because in addition to us wanting him to make his own decisions, the biggest take away for me was the communication, time management, organization and, of course, weight management skills he learned from the juggling two sports,” Stephanie said. “I even kept quiet during the drives from a wrestling meet (or) tournament to a basketball game in the same day (or) night.

“His coaches were amazing and really played a big part in making that happen.”

FORGED BY FAMILY

Dengler is the youngest of four brothers. Older brothers Gage Shellady, Justis and Talen Dengler were former Comet athletes. Shellady graduated in 2012, Justis in 2018 and Talen in 2020.

Some of Ryker’s earliest memories were watching them in sports. They made an indelible impact on their youngest sibling from his first neighborhood whiffle ball game to his high school career.

“Seeing them compete, it looked like a lot of fun and they're like a big reason I do all the sports,” Ryker said. “I love to competing in everything. I really love to compete whatever sport there was.

“I've been doing all these since I was really young. Just like my brothers were. That's kind of really where I started.”

Talen said recalled those days when everyday seemed like a competition between brothers. He said he remembered about a 3-year-old Ryker in a pull-up diaper, beginning to play in backyard whiffle ball games. They let him act out home runs but it didn’t take long for Ryker to be a regular player and earn his way on base.

“At first, we wouldn’t count him as an out and then there was one day where everything changed,” Talen said. “He’d only get three strikes and we’d treat him as if he were one of us. By the age of 5, he was able to compete with us.”

It didn’t stop with whiffle ball. The battles transferred to football, wrestling and basketball. Ryker had to compete to survive, especially during morning football games on a steep driveway, waiting for the school bus. He was all for it.

“There were also multiple living room football games and wrestling matches (and) 1-on-1’s in our driveway playing basketball,” Talen said. “Now, our parents might not have been too happy that we’d play so rough with him at a young age, but it definitely wasn’t because he couldn’t handle it.”

Stephanie said all four were close and loves their bond. She joked she still is finding out what they did to each other.

“Many times I thought they were being too rough with him, but Ryker never complained, I assume out of fear for not being allowed to play any longer if he tattled,” Stephanie said. “I remember one time, he couldn’t have been older than 4, he came in after a backyard football game with 2 black eyes. I was upset that they were too rough again, but Ryker said it doesn’t hurt and it was just part of the game … be tough or go home.

“They still rough house and play basketball, baseball, wrestle like it is the Olympic Championship. Doesn’t matter where we are — home, the doctor office, store, family functions — drives me nuts.”

Talen admitted the four still smack talk and compare athletic achievements to this day. He seemed to concede the crown to his younger brother.

“Whether it was individual stats or team results,” Talen said. “It’s honestly bittersweet because I’ve always claimed to be the ‘athlete of the family’ and now it’s clear that he holds that crown. Words can’t describe how proud I am of him, not just as an athlete, but the young man he’s grown in to.”

Ryker said Gage always had his back during those brotherly battles. Talen, being the closest in age, was the toughest on him. Ryker praised them for learning how to handle the challenges from their example.

“As much as they picked on me, they taught me a lot,” Ryker said. “I know what it looks like from them coming home from wrestling having to cut a lot of weight. They've definitely put me through a lot and it definitely helps.

“I've seen their struggles and how they got through it. So, I'd say that helps more than anything.”

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DUAL SPORTS IN WINTER

Wrestling and basketball are not considered complementary sports. Ryker is one of the few athletes to do both well. He said he thought he had to choose between the two winter activities. He went to workouts for both and realized there was no dilemma, after all.

Coaches were willing to cooperate and share him. It was the closest he came to dropping a sport.

“I just love basketball,” Dengler said. “I went and competed in the wrestling room, and that thought immediately went out of my head. I knew I had to do something.

“I'd be lying to you if I'd say I didn’t question what I was doing sometimes coming home at night after a wrestling practice and you can't eat or something, but then the next morning you turn around and get in the room with your buddies and it changed your mind quick.”

His ability to handle the rigors of both sports was an indicator Ryker was unique.

“Not only just doing it, but performing at a high level in both,” said Talen, who described Ryker as a relentless competitor. “The stress that takes on your mind and body is unimaginable, but I think it actually helped him be able to perform at a high level because he was doing both.”

Ryker was a two-time Class 2A state qualifier in wrestling, capping his career with a sixth-place finish at 165 pounds in February. He won more than 135 career matches.

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In basketball, Dengler led the Comets in steals (71), rebounds (178) and points (387), averaging 17.6 points and 8.1 rebounds a game. He even set the school single-game steals list with 10.

Alke said his success isn’t just a product of talent and work ethic. The support from family, friends and the community encouraged him.

“No matter what sport he pursued, he had people behind him,” Alke said. “On top of that, he never complains, always works hard, and has a deep love for competition. He’s extremely coachable, always looking to improve, and never satisfied — yet he manages to have fun even when it’s difficult. That attitude makes him special.”

Ryker participated in both postseasons during the same week. Dengler won a district title to qualify for state wrestling on Saturday. Two days later, he scored 29 points in a 69-64 district quarterfinal basketball win over Wilton.

State wrestling conflicted with the district semifinal against Northeast. Ryker wasn’t able to play in that game but still attended basketball practice as a member of the scout team up until he left for Des Moines.

“I was tuning inasmuch as I could between matches,” Dengler said. “I'd look at the scores. It was real tough.”

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GOLDEN MEMORY ON THE TRACK

Reaching the state podium in wrestling was one of the personal highlights for Ryker. The biggest feat came during the spring. Ryker hustled to a 2A state championship time of 53.68 seconds in the 400 hurdles.

“Well, it's one of the toughest races,” Ryker said. “What we like to say is all form goes out the window after about 300 or 250 meters. It's just you versus yourself almost and just how hard can you push yourself.

“When I cross that finish line, first, I didn't really know if I won it for sure. I looked up at the board and I saw my name.”

The moment was enhanced when he turned to see his biggest supporters were nearby in the stands.

“The best part, probably one of the best in my high school career, was being able to look up and my family was right next to the finish line,” Ryker said. “They were celebrating and they were going crazy. It was just surreal almost.”

Ryker capped a career that included a seventh-place finish in the 110 hurdles and fifth in the shuttle hurdle relay. He is an 11-time state qualifier and placed seventh in the 400 hurdles at the Drake Relays.

Talen has witnessed many of his achievements. His favorite was the medal performance in wrestling. He echoed the unforgettable feeling that accompanying Ryker’s title run.

“That was also an amazing day, being able to see all of the hard work he put in pay off and see him on top of that podium is a day that I will never forget,” Talen said. “He’s a special athlete and an even (better) brother, I’m so proud of him.“

ACADEMICS BEFORE ATHLETICS

Athletics were secondary. Stephanie and Rob emphasized the importance of classroom work first. He heeded their “academics first” wishes.

“That’s how I’ve always been taught,” Ryker said. “It’s almost not a choice. I have to do it with my parents. They push me. They've always said student before athlete. That's just how it goes.”

Ryker was inducted into the National Honor Society during his sophomore year. He also earned multiple academic scholarships at West Liberty’s senior recognition night.

“Ryker understands that if you don’t do the work in the classroom you don’t get the privilege to play with your teammates and there is almost nothing that will keep Ryker from competing,” Stephanie said. “My proudest moment probably came during high school graduation ceremony, when we learned he received an award for suggesting, creating, developing a high school mentor program, where seniors mentor freshmen in academics, sports, life. He never mentioned this to us … we didn’t know anything about it until it was announced at the ceremony. It just proved his commitment to leadership on and off the field.”

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FOOTBALL FOR THE FUTURE

Ryker will continue his athletic career, playing football for Coe Coach Tyler Staker. Talen also played football for the Kohawks. The younger Dengler is ready to embrace the challenge at the college level.

“I saw their success and I’ve been following it along for four-plus years,” Ryker said. “I told Coach Staker I’m excited to be able to go in there and know that the competition inside of my own team is going to push me to be way better than I could ever imagine.”

Ryker was an all-district performer as a senior, passing for more than 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns. Ryker also rushed for 600 yards with 11 scores.

Dumont was a longtime assistant and head coach at Iowa City Regina before he took over at West Liberty in 2024. He was familiar with Ryker but was excited to see his ability up close.

“Athletically, he’s as good as anybody I’ve ever coached in football,” Dumont said. “He’s a great athlete.

“He just makes plays. There were times there was nothing there. I just broke down up front. He was able to make a lot of plays with his feet.”

Ryker’s dual-threat capability caused Dumont and his staff to add some Wing-T/spinner back. The Comets called sprint out passes to use his strength in the open field.

“He’s naturally gifted,” Dumont said. “You’re either gifted or you’re not. When you combine that with a very workmanlike attitude. It made for a very special thing.”

Ryker will play only football at Coe for now. But he hasn’t slammed the door shut on playing a second sport. The opportunity to focus on one endeavor could allow him to reach a higher level.

“It’s going to be fun to watch him at the college level when he concentrates on one sport,” Dumont said. “It will be fun to see what he can accomplish. I think they got a steal. Coe is a great program and is getting a great talent.”

Ryker Dengler: 2025 Gazette Male Athlete of the Year

Full name: Ryker Glen Dengler

School: West Liberty

Birthdate: Oct. 30, 2006

Family: Parents, Stephanie and Rob; Brothers, Gage, Justis and Talen

High school accomplishments: 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.

College: Will play football at Coe College. Plans to major in Sports Administration.

2025 Gazette Male Athlete of the Year voting

Thirteen staffers from the sports and photo departments participated in the voting; points were tabulated on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis. First-place votes in parentheses.

THE TOP FIVE

1. Ryker Dengler, West Liberty (7) 44

2. Rayce Heitman, Williamsburg (3) 41

3. Mason Bechen, North Linn (3) 35

4. Tiernan Boots, Lisbon 17

4. Mason Woods, Iowa City West 17

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES (alphabetic order)

Vince Diers, Anamosa; Jacob Doyle, Cedar Rapids Kennedy; Caleb Haack, Iowa Valley; Davis Kern, Linn-Mar; Kolt Knaack, North Tama; Nathan Miller, Center Point-Urbana; Cael Reichter, North Fayette Valley;

OTHERS NOMINATED (alphabetic order)

Will Aitchison, Iowa City Regina; Quinton Alexander, Cedar Rapids Prairie; Nathan Beitz, Maquoketa Valley; Clay Bohlmann, Tipton; Nelson Evans IV, Cedar Rapids Jefferson; Gage Heyne, English Valleys; Grayson Kirsch, Marion; Brady Kurt, Independence; Derek Lieurance, Cascade; Dallas Miller, Iowa City Liberty; Landon Prince, Clear Creek Amana; Jackson Rosenberg, Clear Creek Amana; Nile Sinn, Williamsburg; Connor Williams, Springville; Brent Yonkovic, West Delaware; Wyatt Young, Cedar Rapids Washington.

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com