Coupeville Sports

The transformation of Jacob Zettle. (John Fisken photos)

Some kids you just root for harder.

In the time that I’ve known Jacob Zettle, I have been nothing but impressed. Every day, in every way.

The Coupeville High School junior, who celebrates a birthday today, has not had an easy life, and yet he seems to greet each day with a huge smile, intent on doing his best and spreading joy wherever he goes.

Zettle has taken huge strides on both the football field and baseball diamond in recent months, both a testament to a growth spurt and to the hard work he puts in on a regular basis.

Every time I see him play I see a coach’s dream — a young man who listens intently, soaks up knowledge and puts out maximum effort on every play, regardless of the score.

I also see a guy who is a loyal, supportive teammate, vocal in his efforts to spur on his classmates, while always coming across as friendly, soft-spoken, highly intelligent and accessible off the field.

Jacob is a rarity, someone who you never hear a bad word about.

People genuinely like him, whether they be coaches, teammates, fans or random people walking by, and it reflects well on a young man who has embraced positivity in his life.

He is devout in his faith and it is obvious it is not merely passed down from his family, but something he has embraced as his own, a vital part of his everyday life.

I have no doubt Jacob makes his grandparents, Gary and Suzanne, very proud, and he should.

They have done a superb job raising him, and he is a young man well on his way to accomplishing grand things.

So, the day before he helps the Wolves face off with Bellevue Christian on the gridiron, we want to pause and take a moment.

To wish him happy birthday yes, but also to let him know what everyone thinks — Mr. Zettle, you are a class act, and we, as a community, are blessed to count you as one of us.