AMES, Iowa – The Iowa Sports Foundation and Iowa Games are proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship: Emma Chesterman of Dubuque Senior High School and Cody Long of Roland-Story High School.
Sponsored by the Orr, Kenyon and Skinner families, the Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to one outstanding male and one outstanding female student-athlete. The scholarship honors former Iowa State University basketball player Brian Pearson, who passed away from brain cancer in 1997.
Eligible applicants were high school juniors or seniors during the 2025–2026 school year. Recipients were selected based on their participation in the Iowa Games, school and community volunteer service, and their athletic and academic achievements. Applicants were also required to submit two letters of recommendation and a personal essay outlining their educational goals, community involvement and career aspirations.
Emma Chesterman
A multiple-time Iowa Winter Games figure skating champion, Chesterman has demonstrated exceptional dedication both on and off the ice. In addition to her success in the Iowa Games, she qualified for six state track and field events, competed in two Drake Relays and qualified for the state cross country meet during all four years of high school.
When asked what she enjoys most about the Iowa Winter Games, Chesterman said, “It allows for more local competition, has good vibes and good competition. I also love how lots of people come down and cheer for us!”
Her favorite Iowa Games memory came this past winter while competing in a larger group skating performance.
“Just skating as a group there for one last time was really fun,” she said.
Chesterman plans to attend the Colorado School of Mines, where she will major in mechanical engineering while competing on the NCAA Division II cross country and track and field teams.
“I applied for the scholarship back in either the fall or winter. When I found the scholarship and the list of requirements, I thought it sounded like me. As I looked further into the application, I realized I could be a very solid applicant,” Chesterman said when asked why she applied for the Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship.
Cody Long
During his time at Roland-Story High School, Long participated in football, basketball and track and field. A 15-time Iowa Games medalist and recipient of a team sportsmanship award, he has been an active participant in both the Summer and Winter Iowa Games.
When asked what inspired him to become involved with the Iowa Games, Long said, “It allows my family and I to come together and compete.” He also credited his grandfather’s involvement with the Iowa Games as an inspiration to follow in his footsteps.
Long’s favorite Iowa Games memory was competing in a mixed 4×100-meter relay with his cousins.
“We won with the fastest time, and they had extra gold medals to give out to everyone,” he said.
Long said he first became interested in the Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship after reading about it through the Iowa Games. As he learned more about Brian Pearson’s story and legacy, he felt his own values closely aligned with those Pearson represented.
After graduation, Long plans to attend Central College, where he will major in communications while continuing his football and track careers.
“The Iowa Games has played a huge role in my ability to play at a higher level,” Long said.
He also plans to continue serving his community through Central College programs such as Community-Based Learning and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
“I see community service as more than just a credit,” Long said.
To learn more about the Iowa Games sports and awards, visit www.iowagames.org.