Jayden Weinzetl left his mark on Webster City High School athletics just like his father, Jake, did two decades prior.

Weinzetl, a recent graduate of WCHS, has been named the 2024-25 Seneca Foundry Daily Freeman-Journal Male Athlete of the Year.

A multi-sport standout, Weinzetl will continue his academic and athletic career at Dordt University in the fall when he joins the Defender football program. Dordt competes at the NAIA level as part of the Great Plains Athletic Conference.

One of the records Weinzetl helped set with the Webster City track and field squad was the same that his dad was a part of 21 years prior.

“Being in the 4×100-meter relay that broke the school record was one of the more memorable moments in my athletic career,” Weinzetl said. “My dad went to high school in Webster City where he also set the record in the 4×100 as the lead-off.

“It was pretty cool to be able to set the record in high school 21 years later as the lead-off, as well.”

Weinzetl was a multi-time state qualifier in sprint and relay events with the Lynx, while also competing at the Drake Relays.

During his three-year football career, Weinzetl recorded almost 120 tackles — with 30 being for loss — and 9.5 sacks. He also ran for over 300 yards with three touchdowns in 2024.

Weinzetl earned two all-district honors on defense.

“Two moments come to mind when remembering my football career,” he said. “When I was a sophomore, I was trying to make my way on varsity and I was a big part of the special teams. During the last home game of the year, I made a really big hit on kickoff right in front of our bench and I think it was the first time I ever made (former head) Coach (Bob) Howard smile.

“The other was during my junior year. Algona was a top team with some big names and people thought they would walk all over us. But we beat them, 47-0.”

Weinzetl played for both Howard and current head football coach Andy Brim, a long-time program assistant.

“Coach Howard and Coach Brim have had several very physically and mentally tough teams,” Weinzetl said. “I’m very grateful to have been a part of continuing the tradition of toughness in Webster City.”

Weinzetl competed on the wrestling mats for head coaches Drake Doolittle and Chad Hisler, with Hisler also serving as his track and field coach. The Hisler family played a big role in Weinzetl’s development.

“(Brothers) CJ and Keegan (Hisler) were always working hard and doing the right thing,” Weinzetl said. “They were key influences in my athletic career. After seeing CJ working on homework at state wrestling, it inspired me to take school more seriously.

“They were always there to answer any questions I had, whether it was about football or an event if I needed help with homework.

Weinzetl, who is 6-foot and over 200 pounds, plans to major in business management at Dordt before going to power lineman school.

“I chose to attend Dordt University to continue my academic career,” he said, “as well as continue to grow closer to God and play football for a great faith-centered program.”