Jackson Filer Named ICCAC Male Athlete of the Year

Courtesy of the ICCAC

AMES, Iowa - Iowa Western's Jackson Filer was named the 2022-23 Iowa Community College Athletic Conference's Male Student-Athlete of the Year on Wednesday.

With the honor, Filer adds another award to his already full trophy case after the 2022-23 football season.

A defensive end, Filer won the NJCAA's Defensive Player of the Year award to go along with his ICCAC Defensive Player of the Year honor. He was named a First Team NJCAA All-American and made First Team All-Conference after one of the best pass-rushing seasons in NJCAA history.

On the field, Filer led the NJCAA in sacks (15.5) and tackles for loss (28). He set Iowa Western's career records for sacks (27), TFLs (46), forced fumbles (5), and fumble recoveries (5). His sack number set the record for the most sacks in a season in school history.

Filer was a team captain and a finalist for the Walter Jones Trophy -- which goes to the top JUCO football player in the country. He was also nominated for the NJCAA's David Rowlands Award which annually honors superior athletic achievements of a male student-athlete.

"Jackson has the drive, work ethic, and passion to be great," Reiver head coach Scott Strohmeier said. "He wanted to be the best player on the field. Many doubted him and he wasn't big enough. He bet on himself and was the most dominant defensive end in the NJCAA."

On top of his individual accolades, Filer achieved ultimate team heights, helping Iowa Western to their second national championship in school history and the first since 2012.

Off the field, Filer used his free time to volunteer at summer youth football camps at Iowa Western. He also took part in "High Fives Back to School" with Valley View Elementary and its young students.

Since the award began in 2017-18, he is the second Reiver to ever win the award after linebacker Jacob Ellis won it last year.

ICCAC Male Student-Athlete of the Year Winners: 

2022-23 - Jackson Filer, Iowa Western Football
2021-22 - Jacob Ellis, Iowa Western Football
2020-21 - Willie Guy, DMACC Men's Basketball
2019-20 - Justin Brookens, Iowa Lakes Men's Basketball
2018-19 - Spencer Cuvelier, Iowa Central Football
2017-18 - Justin Folley, Ellsworth Wrestling