Iler, Mason Win Athlete of the Year Awards
April 17, 2005

Even though they play different sports, seniors Jackie Mason (Olmsted Falls, OH) and Nate Iler (Bucyrus, OH) have always traveled on the fast track.

Those two standouts are still on the road less traveled. Sunday (April 17) at Ashland University’s 21st Annual All-Sports Banquet and Hall of Fame Induction ceremony, Mason and Iler were honored as the 2004-05 Ashland University Student-Athletes of the Year. The event was held at AU’s Myers Convocation Center.

Jackie Mason has been honored as the 2004-05 Ashland University Women's Student-Athlete of the Year. She’s one of nine players in the history of the women’s basketball program to score 1,000 or more points and carries a 4.0 GPA in her master's degree program of educational administration.

This year’s field included 11 nominees – five women and six men. Coaches nominate student-athletes and the student-athlete of the year awards are selected by the AU Athletic Committee. The awards recognize superior achievement in athletics and academics and participation in community service.

Mason has a full resume in each of those categories. She’s one of nine players in the history of the women’s basketball program to score 1,000 or more points (she’s seventh on AU’s career scoring list). The Olmsted Falls, OH, native is the school’s career leader in field goal percentage, blocked shots and rebounds. Mason is AU’s single-season record holder in rebounds and blocked shots and she’s the only player in school history to be named to the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference All-Defensive Team for three seasons. This past season Mason was named first team all-conference.

Off the court, Mason has been a star in the classroom. She’s earned her undergraduate degree in early childhood education where she had a 3.93 grade point average. She’s now taking graduate classes in educational administration and she owns a 4.00 grade point average. Mason is a three-time member of the GLIAC All-Academic Team and this year, she appeared on the national Academic All-America ballot. Mason is also the president of AU’s Student Athlete Athletic Council.

Nate Iler has been honored as the 2004-05 Ashland University Men's Student-Athlete of the Year. Iler was AU’s top runner in cross country this past season when he won the GLIAC individual championship and was the GLIAC athlete of the year. He has a 3.46 grade point average as a management systems and business management major.

Iler runs with a fast crowd, too. He was nominated for the athlete of the year award as the cross country representative, but he’s also been a star in indoor and outdoor track and field. Iler was AU’s top runner in cross country this past season when he won the GLIAC individual championship and was the GLIAC athlete of the year. Iler was the lone AU runner to reach the NCAA Division II national championship meet. He claimed individual crowns at the Akron and Wooster Invitationals. During this past indoor track and field season, he won the mile at the GLIAC championships and placed second in that event at the NCAA national championships in Boston.

Iler has appeared at four national championship events and his resume includes a fourth place finish in the 800 meters.

Seven times Iler has been recognized as an Academic All-America by the Track Coaches Association of America. He’s been named to the GLIAC All-Academic Team in both cross country and indoor and outdoor track and field. Iler has a 3.46 grade point average as a management systems and business management major. He designs and updates the Ashland University track and field website.

The other nominees for the women’s award were Jennifer Berardinelli (soccer), Amanda Mercer (outdoor track and field), Jenni Picucci (indoor track and field) and Erin Stauffer (cross country).

The remainder of the men’s nominees included Justin Brown (basketball), Joey Brightbill (outdoor track and field), Charles Curren (soccer), Josh Gaub (baseball) and Jody Stewart (indoor track and field).

The night’s festivities also included the induction of seven former athletes into the Ashland University Hall of Fame. That group lists James Barry (Class of 1969), Jeff Freedman (Class of 1979), Vince Mazza (Class of 1987), Dick Miller (Class of 1974), Rod Moore (Class of 1968), Bill Royce (Class of 1993) and Elijah Whitten (Class of 1974).

Bob Roland received the annual Eagle Forever Award. This award is presented each year to one of the program’s most avid fans and supporters.

Ashland University director of athletics Bill Goldring served as the master of ceremonies.