Whiteford's Iott, Ruddy, Masserant make Division 8 All-State
Jake Iott
School: Whiteford
Age: 18
Year: Senior
Honor: Associated Press Division 8 All-State Football first team.
Position: Linebacker.
Statistics: 146 Tackles, 4 tackles for Loss, 5 quarterback sacks, 3 rumbles caused, 2 rumble recoveries, with one fumble returned for a TD, one interception for a 92-yard return for touchdown, leading season and career tackler in Whiteford History.
What his coach Todd Thieken said: “For four years Jake anchored our defense and consistently made big plays. It is amazing to have seen what he did on both sides of the ball and be so productive. He will be hard to replace.”
Parents: John and Patty Iott
Siblings: Twin brother Jack (18) and sister Clara (12).
Person I most admire: My Dad
Person (living or dead) I would most like to meet: Great grandpa.
Favorite music: Country.
Favorite class: Ag.
The best thing about my school: Close community.
If could change one thing about my school: Wouldn’t change a thing.
The person most influential in helping me become a successful athlete: Coach Todd Thieken.
My greatest asset as an athlete: Mindset.
The moment I realized I could excel in sports: Starting as a linebacker freshman year.
Favorite athlete or team: MSU.
I’m happiest when I’m: Making money.
Biggest thrill in sports: Winning a state championship (in 2022).
Biggest disappointment in sports: losing to Ubly (in state finals this year).
More: Whiteford falls to Ubly in Division 8 state football championship game
Favorite place I have visited: Up North Michigan.
Place I would like to visit: Montana.
Hobbies: Hunt and farm.
Future plans: Work for family business and pursue an agricultural career.
In 10 years, I see myself: Living in my own home with my own family.
Best coaching advice I ever got: Get 1-percent better every day.
What sports taught me about life: Hard work always pays off.
What role can athletes take in making our schools feel safer and more inclusive: Encouraging younger players.
Ryin Ruddy
School: Whiteford.
Age: 17.
Year: Senior.
Honor: Associated Press Division 8 All-State Football first team.
Position: Defensive back.
Statistics: 119 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 5 passes broken up, 2 interceptions.
What his coach Todd Thieken said: “Ryin is the ultimate team player. We were able to do so many things on offense this year because of all the things he could do. On defense he is a warrior. Every time we were in a big game he rose to the occasion and was all over the field. His work ethic is second to none.”
Parents: Buffy and K.C. Ruddy.
Siblings: Ty (19), Shea (18), Drew (16), Brek (14).
Person I most admire: My Dad.
Person I would most like to meet: Tim Tebow.
Favorite movie: Lone Survivor.
Favorite book: The Bible.
Favorite music: Country.
Favorite class: Calculus.
The best thing about my school: Small supportive community.
If could change one thing about my school: Nothing, I love my school.
People most influential in helping me become a successful athlete: My brothers.
My greatest asset as an athlete: Work ethic and coachability.
The moment I realized I could excel in sports: In 6th grade when I was excelling compared to my competition on the field and when I started varsity football as a freshman.
Favorite athlete or team: My favorite team is Ohio State and my favorite athlete is Jalen Ramsey.
I’m happiest when I’m: Playing sports with my friends.
Biggest thrill in sports: Winning the state championship in football (in 2022).
Biggest disappointment in sports: Losing in the state championship game this year and losing in the semifinals two years ago after being up 22-0 at halftime.
Best Christmas gift I ever received: A snowboard.
Favorite place I have visited: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Place I would like to visit: Europe.
Hobbies: Sports, disc golf.
Future plans: Attend college and go into the medical field.
In 10 years, I see myself: Practicing as a physician, and providing for a family.
People would be most surprised to learn that: I am insanely good at quoting movies.
Can’t live without: My mom and my family.
Best coaching advice I ever got: Control your attitude and effort, the only things you really can control.
What sports taught me about life: They’ve taught me how to work hard, be disciplined, and work with a team.
What role can athletes take in making our schools feel safer and more inclusive: Showing others respect and being kind to everyone.
Kolby Masserant
School: Whiteford.
Age:18.
Year: Senior.
Honor: Associated Press Division 8 All-State Football first team.
Position: Receiver.
Statistics: 43 catches for 995 Yards, 13 touchdowns, 80 total points, 23.1 yards per catch.
What his coach Todd Thieken said: “Last year in the off season I told our coaches we needed to focus on getting Kolby the ball more. He had a breakout year, and helped our offense so much because of what teams had to do to account for him on every play.”
Parents: Lora and Kurt Masserant.
Siblings: Luke (20) and Stepan (19).
People I most admire: My mom and dad.
Person (living or dead) I would most like to meet: Alexander Hamilton
Favorite movie: Any Adam Sandler movie.
Favorite book: Never Finished-David Goggins.
Favorite music: Hip Hop.
Favorite class: Human Anatomy.
The best thing about my school: being able to know and make friends with everyone in the school because of the size.
If could change one thing about my school: Have Taco Bell for lunch.
The person most influential in helping me become a successful athlete: Coach Teeks and Coach T.J.
My greatest asset as an athlete: My leadership skills and work ethic to get better at whatever I do.
The moment I realized I could excel in sports: When all the parents in grade school would call me Superman.
Favorite athlete: George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver.
I’m happiest when I’m: learning and perfecting skills and bettering myself.
Biggest thrill in sports: When I’m relied upon to make big plays.
Biggest disappointment in sports: Not being able to play football with my friends again.
Best Christmas gift I ever received: Snowboard and boots.
Favorite place I have visited: St. Augustine, Florida.
Place I would like to visit: Ancient Rome
Hobbies: Working out and Golf.
Future plans: Become a successful chiropractor while helping many others.
In 10 years, I see myself: Moving somewhere south or historical so I wouldn’t have to deal with Michigan’s bi-polar weather.
People would be most surprised to learn that: I have a cat named Beef who’s a slick 19 pounds.
Can’t live without: My family and my orange cat.
Best coaching advice I ever got: Things won’t be easy and you’ll be faced with adversity but, it’s how you deal with it that shapes who you are.
What sports taught me about life: I’ve gained a strong work ethic and the want to always get better.
What role can athletes take in making our schools feel safer and more inclusive: Always be aware the consequences your actions have on others. One little compliment can go a long way in making someone’s day better.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Whiteford lands three players on Division 8 All-State Football team
