Earlier this month, the Bayfield School Board approved the promotion of assistant coach Jason Wenzlau to take over as head coach. Wenzlau will replace Glenn Wallace, who led the program for three years before stepping down to focus on his growing family.
"Coach Wallace did a fantastic job, and we're going to miss him as a head coach," Wolverine Athletic Director Andy Duffy said.
Wallace, who took over in 2022, guided the Wolverines through a major turnaround. After helping the program snap a 16-game losing streak in 2023, he led Bayfield to an impressive 4-5 record in 2024 — and Wenzlau was a member of the staff who helped the team grow more competitive.
"Coach Wallace built a strong foundation, and now we're excited for Coach Wenzlau to step into this role,” Duffy said. “His ability to connect, motivate, and prepare athletes sets the tone for a competitive and disciplined program."
Wenzlau is no stranger to Bayfield athletics. A Steamboat Springs native and former Fort Lewis College football player, he has been familiar with Wolverine athletics for the past 12 years, and more recently began assisting both the football and basketball programs. His wife, Brandi, is Bayfield High’s athletic trainer, making the program a true family affair.
“I’ve been around Bayfield athletics for a long time,” Wenzlau said. “Coaching is something I’ve always wanted to do — it’s really in my bloodline.”
Indeed, football runs deep in his family. Wenzlau's grandfather helped found the athletics and football programs at Santa Barbara City College, eventually earning a place in its Hall of Fame. His father coached high school football for 30 years in Arizona before finishing his career in Steamboat Springs.
“What was better than going to hang out with Dad on the football field for an after-school activity?” Wenzlau smiled.
After college, Wenzlau spent nearly two decades in the corporate world, managing people, operations, and resources — experience he says translates well to leading a football program.
“Managing a team of employees and managing a team of players and coaches isn’t that different,” he said. “You’re managing the players, the coaches, the funds — and sometimes, the customer, which in this case is the families — aren’t that happy with you. It's part of the job. I think that background is really going to help me."
Wenzlau’s coaching philosophy centers on fundamentals, discipline, and smart preparation.
“I truly believe the sky is the limit for Bayfield football,” he said. “If we're fundamentally sound and try to achieve perfection — even though it is impossible to attain — we’ll give ourselves a chance in every game. I really believe in teaching the boys to be disciplined with the fundamentals."
He’s already started building toward the fall. The Wolverines are currently holding workouts one day a week, and Wenzlau said they’re about to bump up to two days a week as summer approaches.
“I’m trying to respect the boys' time and their other sports too, but we need to get working so we’re ready to go next year,” he said.
Wenzlau also laid out a clear vision for how Bayfield will approach the game on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he plans to keep things balanced but quick-hitting.
“We’re going to be pretty balanced,” he said. “Sometimes a good offense is a great defense — if the other team never gets the ball, they can’t score.”
Defensively, Wenzlau believes in a tough, aggressive style, built around a 4-3 formation.
"I believe in a swarming defense," he said. "We're going to take away what the other team does well by scouting them and attacking their weaknesses. I am passionate about not letting teams run over us."
He’s also placing a strong emphasis on special teams, often an overlooked phase of the game.
"I believe in our talent on special teams," Wenzlau said. "We have a talented kicker, and we're going to find his range this year. Special teams can change the momentum of a game, and we’re going to use that to our advantage.”
Wenzlau has begun assembling his coaching staff, reaching out to former teammates and other football minds in the area. He’ll have four paid assistants and hopes to add volunteers as well.
Ultimately, Wenzlau said, it’s about restoring the proud tradition of Bayfield football.
"I really want to bring back the winning ways and the winning culture," he said. "I want the guys from the 2015 and 2017 teams, even the 1996 team, to come hang out with us and bring that winning spirit back to Bayfield. Come be part of it."
Duffy said Wenzlau’s passion, high expectations, and leadership are exactly what the Wolverines need.
“Coach Wenzlau leads with purpose and is fully committed to the success of Bayfield Football," Duffy said. "He’s the right person to carry us forward."
With offseason work underway and a new era dawning, excitement is building for what’s ahead under Coach Wenzlau’s leadership.