CHURUBUSCO, Ind. — At a small farm in northeast Indiana, Weston Ott’s days begin before sunrise. From walking livestock to mixing feed to cleaning the barn, the Churubusco High School senior has learned the meaning of commitment one chore at a time.
“There’s not much time off. There’s no relaxing. We’re always going,” Weston says. Beyond contributing to his family’s animals, he’s heavily involved in academics, sports, and church. “I think that will take me places in life a lot of things won’t. Hard work can take you anywhere.”
His unwavering dedication to success has paid off, with Weston recently announcing his intent to attend the University of Notre Dame to further his sports career.
Leadership on the Field
As #10 for the Churubusco Eagles, Weston is known as a leader by example, playing both tight end and outside linebacker.
“He is a natural leader, primarily by example,” says Head Coach Paul Sade, who’s watched Weston transform over the years. “He was a little short chubby kid in junior high. He discovered that he really loved lifting weights… He’s always trying to get stronger, faster, better.”
Sade says Ott’s drive reflects how he was raised. “There are a lot of people now and days that look for the easiest path, the shortcut at every turn. And he wasn’t raised that way, and it shows. He’s definitely someone who wants to do the best he can in whatever he does.”
That drive has paid off. The Eagles have earned back-to-back NECC Small School Division Championships and a 7-2 record heading into the playoffs.
A New Direction
While Weston is a standout on the football field, his future lies in another arena — track and field. His journey as a thrower began in middle school.
“I joined track in 7th grade because I wanted to get faster for football,” Weston says. “Coach Sade told me to try throwing because I was so slow. I found a couple rocks out here to throw, and I practiced and got better.”
What began as a side activity soon became his calling. Last spring, at the 2025 NECC Championship Meet, he threw a personal, school, and conference record of 64 feet, 11.75 inches in shot put.
Weston’s athletic path wasn’t always this clear. He grew up as one of Churubusco’s top baseball players — a catcher like his mom, Jenna Ott, once was.
“I know for Jenna, it was really difficult, because she loves baseball,” says Mike Ott, Weston’s dad. “That’s her passion and dream was to watch Weston play baseball.”
But an injury changed everything. “My freshman year, I tore both meniscuses in my knees, so I couldn’t catch anymore,” Weston recalls. “I think it was God’s way of opening the window to go throw.”
That new door led to an incredible partnership with Churubusco Throws Coach Brayden Simmons, who began working with Weston while finishing his own degree at Purdue Fort Wayne.
“He just has a drive and a mentality — he wants to win and always does what’s right, no matter what,” Simmons says.
“We’ve really built a relationship and become friends that will last a lifetime,” Weston adds. “He’s helped me grow and stay calm under pressure.”
With the support of his coaches and family, Weston finished second in both shot put and discus at the IHSAA Boys State Track & Field Championships. The success caught the attention of top programs.
“I’ve been very fortunate to receive attention from Notre Dame, Purdue, Kentucky, and IU,” Weston says.
He ultimately chose Notre Dame, where he’ll join one of the nation’s most respected track programs.
“I think this whole experience has been a whirlwind for us as parents,” says Jenna. “We’re not college athletes… It’s been really fun and exciting to follow him through this journey.”
Lessons from the Farm
Back home, the Ott family continues their proud 4-H tradition — raising livestock that often goes on to become champions at the Indiana State Fair.
“It sure felt like it was their 4H background and growing up on a farm, that mentality that—you just got to get the work done,” Mike says.
Following Mike and his father Larry, Weston is part of the Ott’s third generation, carrying on the legacy of working on the farm.
The animals have to get fed whether it’s your birthday, Christmas, or you don’t feel well,” Jenna explained. “Life goes on when you’re responsible for something else, and we think there’s real value in that.”
Coach Sade sees that same value reflected in Weston’s approach to life: “There are days I come in, and I’m in a bad mood, and you see him working… you think, okay, I don’t really have anything I can complain about. It’s a good example not only for younger people but for some of us adults as well.”
A Community Rooted in Support
As Churubusco prepares to head into sectionals, the community stands proudly behind Weston and his teammates.
“In life, whether it’s business, a career, or faith, you have to surround yourself with great people,” says Mike. “And Weston has been very fortunate that he’s had great people to surround himself with.”
Jenna adds, “Weston’s class has been really tight knit from the beginning… to raise those boys together in this little community has meant a lot to us.”
