The Gazette athlete of the year award is presented to outstanding athletes in Eastern Iowa who represent the best in high school sports.
The Gazette of Cedar Rapids, Iowa celebrates 43 years of presenting area high schools with a selection of Athletes of the Year. Beginning with the late Jack Ogden, sports editor at The Gazette, the 43rd class of athletes were presented in 2025.
The Gazette’s 2025 Male Athlete of the Year is Ryker Dengler of West Liberty. He was a five-sport athlete, winning a state track title in the 400 hurdles and excelling at football, wrestling, basketball and baseball.
Cedar Rapids Xavier’s Libby Fandel is honored as one of two Gazette Female Athletes of the Year in 2025.
Mount Vernon’s Chloe Meester is honored as one of two Gazette Female Athletes of the Year in 2025.
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.
The Gazette’s 2025 Female Athlete of the Year finalists: Libby Dix and Chloe Meester of Mount Vernon, Libby Fandel of Cedar Rapids Xavier, Jayden Kuper of Monticello and Noelle Steines of Tipton.
Ogden column: Gazette staff has picked its 2025 Athletes of the Year. The list, once again, was impressive. Winners will be announced in July.
Bliss Beck of Clear Creek Amana is The Gazette’s 2024 Female Athlete of the Year. The school’s first recipient of the award, the Drake volleyball recruit was a four-sport athlete and helped lead the Clippers to the 4A girls’ state basketball championship
Derek Weisskopf of Williamsburg is The Gazette’s 2024 Male Athlete of the Year. Team oriented is a virtually unanimous description of the soon-to-be Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker.
The 2024 Gazette Athlete of the Year finalists, in photos.
Gazette Female Athlete of the Year 2024 finalists: Bliss Beck of Clear Creek Amana, Skylar Benesh of North Linn, Michaela Goad of Marion, Carly Goodwin of Sigourney and Callie Levin of Solon.
Gazette Male Athlete of the Year 2024 finalists: Lance McShane of Maquoketa Valley, Jack Miller of Jesup, Preston Ries of Monticello, Derek Weisskopf of Williamsburg and Brett White of Solon.
The Gazette’s 2023 Male Athlete of the Year is Ben Kueter of Iowa City High. He was a two-time all-state linebacker in football, a four-time unbeaten state wrestling champion, a Drake Relays medalist and a member of two state tournament baseball teams.
The Gazette’s 2023 Female Athlete of the Year is Peyton Robinson of Lisbon. She captured 16 varsity letters, won a state track and field relay title and has played in (at least) four state softball tournaments. She will play volleyball at Wartburg College.
Even The Gazette’s Athlete of the Year candidates who are honorable mention seem pretty amazing. You’d be making a safe wager betting on their futures.
Finalists from area high schools for The Gazette’s 2023 Athlete of the Year awards.
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