​Welcome to the 2025-26 Herald-Times Boys Athlete of the Year poll, presented by IU Health. We extend our congratulations to Bloomington North’s Ashley Stegemoller, who captured the girls’ athlete of the year title two weeks ago with 39.6% of the vote (5,160 votes), edging Edgewood’s Macey Crider who finished with 36.1%. Readers can vote as much as they like in our latest poll until it closes on Friday, July 10 at noon. The nominees below are drawn largely from our athletes of the year across each sport.
In pole vault, one standout reached a career high of 16-3, returned to state, and climbed the ladder there by placing fourth at 16-0—only one vaulter cleared 16-3. The player earned H-T Player of the Week honors, posting impressive numbers, and now holds the South’s all-time career free-throw percentage record after averaging 17.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while hitting 63.6% from the floor (152-of-239), 57% from three-point range (48-of-84), and 90.2% at the line (92-of-102). He earned All-Conference Indiana recognition and was an HBCA All-District and All-Star game invitee, with his next stop at Wabash College.
In football, this player led the Panthers back to the semi-state with an 11-2 record, completing 163 of 238 passes (68% completion) for 2,420 yards, 26 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He has accumulated 4,380 passing yards and 47 touchdowns for his career, and earned IFCA Class 5A Junior All-State honors. On the basketball court, he was a formidable inside presence and a reliable outside shooter, averaging 15 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while blocking 23 shots. He shot 54% from the floor (167-of-310), 35.6% from three-point range (32-of-90), and 73.5% at the line (25-of-34), earning Indiana Junior All-Star recognition. He will be taking his talents to Butler University for college.
In cross country and track, this athlete had a standout year, beginning with a strong finish in cross country—10th at state after a regional third-place finish—with a season-best 14:56.2 time, one of the few Cougars to break the 15-minute mark. He helped anchor the 4×800 relay to a state title, contributing to a fourth straight team title for the program. He later placed fourth in the 1,600 (4:08.53), just shy of his school record, and finished ninth in the 800 (1:53.01).
In football, this multi-talented athlete exemplified versatility by filling roles at safety, kick returner, quarterback, and wide receiver, performing at a high level across all duties. He finished the season with 55 tackles (25 solo), four interceptions (tied for the team lead), and a forced fumble. He earned IFCA Class 5A All-State recognition and an All-Star game invitation. In the spring, he enjoyed another productive baseball season, leading the Cougars with a .458 batting average (38-83), including 10 doubles, 17 RBIs, 14 stolen bases, and 36 runs scored. On the mound, he posted a 3-2 record with a 3.07 ERA, amassing 60 strikeouts against 22 walks in 45⅔ innings. He has committed to playing both football and baseball at DePauw University.
This year’s top performer across multiple sports for the Mustangs is highlighted as a standout across three disciplines, underscoring his all-around excellence and leadership. Vote now to recognize the best of the best in boys athletics for 2025-26.