Bob’s Custom Trophies helped spotlight Iowa high school athletics with the debut of the Cooper DeJean Trophy, a custom award honoring the state’s top high school football player. The company worked with several collaborators, including marketing company Dome Dynasty, the Iowa Football Coaches Association, and Marco Awards Group. The trophy was sculpted in the likeness of NFL star Cooper DeJean, who also worked with the team on the design.
The inaugural ceremony recognized seven finalists, ultimately awarding local student Caden Klein, and DeJean was on hand for a Q&A and award presentation.
The moment also marked a major transition for the company as longtime owners Leslie and Eric Held sold Bob’s Custom Trophies to Brendan Sher and Hunter Ortlund during the project. All four attended the ceremony, signaling both a celebratory debut and passing of the torch.