—Photo by Troy Banning, Daily Freeman-Journal Algona’s wyatt wegener, shown here against Webster City will be a key part of the Bulldogs’ charge in the Class 2A state semifinals on Saturday.

IOWA CITY — In the end, the opportunity to play high-level football led Wyatt Wegener to the University of Iowa.

Wegener, a two-time all-state selection from Algona, will join the Hawkeyes in the fall. He selected Iowa and head coach Kirk Ferentz over Iowa Central, Iowa Western and Northwest Missouri State.

“My family and I just feel that (Iowa) is the best opportunity for me to succeed at,” Wegener said. “The coaches have told me that they plan on getting me down in July, but nothing is guaranteed.”

This past year, Wegener helped lead the Bulldogs to the Class 2A state semifinals. He recorded over 2,100 yards from scrimmage and scored 30 touchdowns.

At Iowa, Wegener is expected to compete at wide receiver. He recorded 35 receptions for 708 yards with six TDs there this year after catching 39 passes for 979 yards and 12 scores as a junior.

“It’s nice to know where I’m going and get everything moving forward,” he said. “I’d like to thank my family, coaches and friends for helping me get to this point in my career.”

Algona went 11-1 last fall as Wegener ran for 1,422 yards and scored 24 touchdowns, averaging almost 13 yards per carry. He finished his prep career with 2,467 yards rushing and 41 TDs to go along with 93 catches, 1,963 yards and 20 touchdowns.

On defense, Wegener made 70 tackles and picked off five passes, adding another 958 yards and three returns on kickoffs and punts.

Wegener’s brother, Josh, took the junior college route to Div. I football. After his own standout career in Algona, he joined Iowa Western before transferring to Nebraska.