New Prestonwood Christian head coach David Wetel is using faith to build culture

David Wetzel never planned on returning to high school football. The former Baylor associate athletic director for football relations transitioned to college sports in 2016, following 20 years as the head coach of multiple high school programs in Texas. Yet, as a devout Christian, Wetzel’s faith drew him to Prestonwood Christian Academy. In February, he became the program’s next head coach. “Me taking this job is a God thing,” Wetzel told The Dallas Morning News. “I wasn’t looking to do it. I had planned on staying at Baylor and retiring. Football changed so much I missed the purity that still exists at some point in high school. I wanted to end my career coaching high school ball. God and the Prestonwood people made sure I was here. And so I’m thankful for that.” The Lions went to the 2025 state championship game under previous head coach Donnie Yantis, losing 14-7 to Parish Episcopal. Yantis then resigned as head coach following four seasons. Prestonwood Christian went 32-15 during his tenure. Multiple marquee players from last year’s program have gone off to college or departed for other high schools, allowing Wetzel to establish a culture unlike any other he's had in the past. “We have great kids. Great young men, great families,” Wetzel said. “They’re a part of this program. It’s an incredible school and church, incredible people to be around, but Prestonwood, playing in the state championship last year, has nothing to do with the team we have right now.” Through prayer, Wetzel has seen the team grow together during spring and summer workouts, leaning on faith to build community with a revamped roster. “These kids have Bible study together. It’s woven into the fabric of our school,” Wetzel said. “When we pray at the end of practice, I haven’t found one of them who isn’t willing to pray yet.” Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire spent five seasons with Baylor from 2017 to 2021, crossing paths with Wetzel in Waco. He called him a “proven winner,” and thus far, the community at Prestonwood Christian is in full support of its new head coach. “I think it helps that all the people involved love Prestonwood Baptist Church and Prestonwood Christian Academy,” Wetzel said. “I get a lot of feedback from others that the kids are enjoying what we’re doing and appreciate the culture. So that’s good feedback to help me know we’re heading in the right direction.” Prestonwood’s offseason strength and conditioning schedule was a success, according to Wetzel, who said the team looks significantly better than it did in March. Still, the program expects to use some of its top players on both sides of the ball, including rising junior Braden Bixler, a multifaceted offensive player who also led the Lions in interceptions in 2025. “We learned a lot during the summer,” Wetzel said. “Just who we are and who we have, and we do have some really good young players. “We’re trying to train our kids to be two-way players, train them on both sides of the ball. But some of our guys have primary positions.” Goals for Prestonwood Christian’s season will be easier to evaluate once the team hits the gridiron against an opponent. For now, Wetzel’s primary focus is to be the best coach he can be in this unique chapter of his storied coaching career. “My job is the head coach at a private Christian school. I know that I wanted to do it differently,” Wetzel said. “I would not have left and just gone anywhere. This is a God-directed move.”

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NEW PRESTONWOOD CHRISTIAN HEAD COACH DAVID WETEL IS USING FAITH TO BUILD CULTURE

RYAN MYERS

The Dallas Morning News | 8/19/2026