Throughout his time as a Webster City Lynx, graduate CJ Hisler has laid claim to many accolades. It wasn’t just limited to the football field, wrestling mat, track or baseball diamond, as Hisler was exceptional in the classroom.

Before departing for Wartburg College to join the Knights football program, CJ was given one more award for his work on and off the field.

In a Tuesday morning announcement from the Iowa Football Coaches Association, Hisler was awarded Class 4A’s Ed Thomas Faith-Family-Football Award. Hisler is one of only seven individuals to earn the award.

Other recipients include Ankeny’s JJ Kohl, Gilbert’s Benjamin Melody, Gabe Winterrowd of OABCIG, Pella Christian’s Isaac Kacmarynski, Ryan Hackbart of Saint Ansgar and John Tyler of West Central, Maynard.

Each year, IFCA member coaches nominate two players for the award.

The award is named for the late Ed Thomas, who was a longtime football coach at Aplington-Parkersburg. Thomas and A-P enjoyed success on and off the field, before Thomas rallied his community together following a devastating tornado that struck in 2008.

Thomas and the A-P football program were instrumental in the recovery efforts. Thomas was tragically killed in 2009, while supervising a lifting session at the makeshift high school weight room.

Since then, the IFCA has awarded a player in each class the Ed Thomas Award to the player who best demonstrates the qualities and characteristics that Thomas represented.