One of the highest honors given annually in Iowa High School football will stay in the Tulip City.

Pella Christian’s Levi Jungling received the 2016 Ed Thomas “Mr. Football” Award last night at the school’s annual awards ceremony. Jungling follows 2015 winner Noah Clayberg and 2014 recipient Garret Jansen.

The honor, named for Legendary Aplington-Parkersburg head coach, is given by the Iowa Newspaper Association annually to recognize one high school player for his outstanding achievement on the football field and commitment to family and faith beyond the gridiron.

Jungling tells KNIA/KRLS Sports he has family that attended Aplington-Parkersburg schools and had a connection with Coach Thomas, which made the honor extra special.

“I heard a lot about him growing up–my parents are from that area, so they heard a lot about his legacy, so I learned a lot of good lessons from him as my parents used him as a teaching point, so it’s really an honor to be given this award in his memory,” Jungling says.

Levi is the reigning captain of the Class 1A Iowa High School Football team and finished as the state’s all-time leader in receiving yards. He’s headed to Dordt College this fall to play wide receiver for the upstart Defenders. Jungling will receive a $500 scholarship from the Ed Thomas Family Foundation.