Cadiz athlete Alan “Webb” Webster went from record-setting sprinter to NFL hopeful

Alan “Webb” Webster, a 1971 graduate of Cadiz High School, built a legacy of grit, speed and perseverance as a record-setting athlete in both track and football.

Webster was named MVP of Cadiz’s 1970 football team, starring as a defensive back and return specialist. On the track, he dominated the hurdles, winning district titles and qualifying for the state meet as a junior and senior. As a senior, he set the district record in the high hurdles and established school marks in both the high and low hurdles.

After graduation, Webster attended Hiram Scott College in Nebraska, where he excelled in track, making All-Conference and setting records in the 100-yard dash and hurdles. At the 34th Annual Frank Potts Meet in Boulder, Colorado, he was named MVP after winning multiple events. When Hiram Scott closed the following year, Webster transferred to the University of Southern Colorado (now Colorado State University-Pueblo).

There, he became one of the school’s most versatile athletes, starting four years at cornerback and kick returner while also starring in track. He led the nation in Division II return yards in both his sophomore and junior seasons and posted a personal best of 9.3 seconds in the 100-yard dash. He also long jumped 24 feet and anchored record-breaking relay teams.

Encouraged by NFL scouts, Webster trained to add size and strength, growing into a 6-foot, 185-pound senior who could bench press 350 pounds without losing his elite speed. After his senior year, he drew interest from the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys. Following a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, he signed a $25,000 contract with the Chiefs as a return specialist.

Webster impressed in preseason play but suffered a devastating Achilles tendon injury in practice, ending his NFL career before it began. He played two seasons with the semi-pro Canton Bulldogs before leaving football behind.

His next chapter led him to harness racing. Partnering with friend and Hall of Fame driver “Sweet” Lou Williams, Webster became a trainer and racer, a career he continued independently after Williams’ death in 1989. Over 25 years, he trained and raced top horses, including a stretch where he won races four consecutive weeks.

Now retired from racing, Webster lives in Tiltonsville with his companion, Georgia. He is the father of two daughters, Tasha and Erin, and three sons, Keith, Tony and DeWan.