Oskaloosa Football Players Honored With Team, District and Academic Awards

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The Oskaloosa High School football program has announced its annual awards, recognizing players for their performance on the field, leadership, academics, teamwork, and community service.

Several players received multiple honors, including Grady Kennedy, Cael Ashman, Jonah DeVore, and Aaron Dye.

The awards also recognize a long history of Oskaloosa football, with some honors dating back more than 90 years.

Kennedy Receives Historic Benz Award

Grady Kennedy received the Rex Benz Award, one of the program’s oldest and most respected honors.

The award began in 1933 and is believed to be the oldest continuously presented football award in Iowa.

It is named after Rex Benz, a local businessman and longtime Oskaloosa football supporter who personally presented the award for many years.

Originally given to the team’s most valuable player, the award was expanded in 1975 under Coach Jerry Staton to recognize leadership, hard work, citizenship, dedication, and commitment to the team.

Players vote on the winner each year.

Kennedy also received the Jim Peters Award as the team’s most impactful offensive lineman. That award began in 1991 in memory of Jim Peters, a supporter of Oskaloosa football and father of former players.

Kennedy was also named to the First Team All-District as an offensive lineman.

Ashman Earns Three Team Awards

Cael Ashman received three individual awards for his contributions during the season.

He earned the Brent Blanchard Award, recognizing the team’s most impactful offensive back.

The award was established in 2002 in memory of Brent Blanchard, a member of Oskaloosa’s 1983 state runner-up football team who died from a heart ailment.

Ashman was also named Scout Team Player of the Year and Special Teams Player of the Year.

The scout team award recognizes dedication during practices, while the special teams award honors contributions to the kicking game.

Ashman also earned Second Team All-District honors as a wide receiver.

Other Individual Award Winners

Jonah DeVore received the Dave Roepke Award, which recognizes character, dedication, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence.

The award began in 1993 and is named after former Oskaloosa football player Dave Roepke.

Tyler Edgar received the Kenneth E. Heinle Award for having the team’s highest grade point average. The academic honor, established in 1996, is named after a longtime Oskaloosa football supporter.

Barrett Rinehart-Lynch earned the Blackshirt Award as the team’s most impactful defensive player.

Aaron Dye received the Loose Change Award for winning the most weekly titles in a competition that recognizes hustle and pursuit of the football during practices and games.

Players Recognized for Dedication and Community Service

Fifteen players received the Ironman Award for participating in every practice and game throughout the season.

The recipients were Jonah DeVore, Cael Ashman, Logan Hendricks, Ayden Plumb, Daniel Barnhart, Aaron Dye, Coleton Fawcett, Jasper Ferree, Owen Johnston, Kaiden Perkins, Hunter Schueler, Emmett Dye, Jackson Lahner, Nolan Nance, and Cain Sickels.

The award was created in 2023 to recognize commitment and mental and physical toughness.

Community service was another important part of the football program.

Aaron Dye led the team with 42 volunteer service hours, followed by Gaper Baker with 24 hours and Eddie Rust with 21 hours.

The three received Humanitarian Awards, which recognize players who give their time to help others.

Additional players completing at least 10 service hours included Jonah DeVore, Logan Hendricks, Grady Kennedy, Trace Rupprecht, Kolby Williams, Heston Bru, Jasper Ferree, Barrett Rinehart-Lynch, Emmett Dye, Drake Heeren, Elijah Voss, and Brody Herny.

The Humanitarian Award began in 2025 to encourage community service and develop leadership skills.

Team Williams Wins Training Competition

Team Williams earned the Platoon Training Championship for collecting the most points throughout the season.

Led by Coach Williams, the winning team included Ayden Plumb, Oscar Chambers, Dawson Boertje, Elijah Voss, Jamison Ruby, Kaiden Perkins, Tyler Sewell, and Hunter Schueler.

The competition began in 2025 as a way to combine conditioning, teamwork, and friendly competition.

Oskaloosa Players Earn All-District Recognition

Several Oskaloosa players were also recognized for their performance against district competition.

Kennedy earned First Team All-District honors as an offensive lineman.

Second Team All-District selections included Tyler Edgar at quarterback, Cael Ashman at wide receiver, Logan Hendricks on the defensive line, and Barrett Rinehart-Lynch at linebacker.

Honorable Mention selections were Kaden Toubekis and Dawson Boertje on the offensive line, Aaron Dye at defensive back, Colton Shaffer at linebacker, and Ayden Plumb as a utility player.

Nineteen Players Earn Academic All-District Honors

Oskaloosa also recognized 19 football players who earned Academic All-District honors.

To qualify, sophomores, juniors, and seniors must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25.

Those honored were Cael Ashman, Dawson Boertje, Jonah DeVore, Tyler Edgar, Grady Kennedy, Trace Rupprecht, Kaden Tourbekis, Aaron Dye, Coleton Fawcett, Owen Johnston, Carter Jordan, Kelen Padgett, Barrett Rinehart-Lynch, Eddie Rust, Emmett Dye, Drake Heeren, Jack Miller, Gabe Scott, and Elijah Voss.

The awards reflect the football program’s focus on more than game results.

Along with recognizing athletic performance, Oskaloosa football honors students who work hard in the classroom, support their teammates, show leadership, and volunteer in their community.

From the historic Benz Award to newer honors recognizing service and dedication, the program continues to recognize the qualities expected of an Oskaloosa Indian football player.