Local opinion: Celebrating Pat Weber's unselfish life

Last week, I had the honor of speaking at the celebration of life for Pat Weber, a long-time accomplished Math/Computer Science teacher, coach, and athletic director at Flowing Wells. When I listened to Pat’s family members, colleagues, friends, and former wrestlers speak, I was struck by the similarity in the themes that emerged. Following the service, someone even asked if the speakers had communicated their message with the other speakers prior to the service due to seamless connection between the stories. That was not the case, and a true testament to Pat’s unselfish nature in all aspects of his life.

There were stories about how Pat, as the athletic director, made sure parents had access to see their kids compete in athletic games, even if it meant bending the school district rules. Stories about Pat’s magic touch in turning the Flowing Wells Wrestling Tournament into a national phenomenon. Stories about how Pat spent hours painstakingly perfecting the Caballero statues to be used for special awards, including retirees and champions of the Flowing Wells Wrestling Tournament. Stories about Pat’s passion for teaching math and computer science with a focus on students understanding math concepts and applying those skills.

I was Pat’s principal for 10 years and thought I knew all the Pat unselfish stories. I was mistaken. During this celebration, his wrestlers told real-life, raw, in their own words, filled with emotion stories about how Coach Weber changed their lives. Sometimes using tough love. Sometimes helping them become eligible by tutoring math after practice. Sometimes helping them make up math credit needed for graduation while driving them a thousand miles across multiple states to wrestle in a tournament. Sometimes, turning disappointment at losing a big tournament to motivation resulting in a State Championship the next year. Sometimes, putting his reputation on the line by advocating to the administration for a second chance, so his wrestler would not be suspended and graduate. Stories about how Pat became a role model and influenced them to become a teacher and coach.

There were over 100 friends attending this celebration, and each one was telling their own Pat Weber unselfish story as they left the gym.

Pat loved teaching and coaching and had deep respect for the profession. He embraced Legendary Teacher Day, and last year, he sent me a picture of his two Legendary Teachers having lunch at a café where he grew up in Indiana.

Pat would also email or call me every time I published an op-ed piece and give me his feedback and critique.

If I ended this op-ed right now, I can hear Pat’s voice, “Your transitions and grammar need some polish, and there is too much spotlight on me, you need to make it bigger picture.” Thanks, Pat, the transitions, and grammar I can’t do much about because I don’t have the writer’s patience and attention to detail that you have when you take on projects.

If you ever received one of Pat’s Caballero statues, you would know what I am talking about. I will, though, adjust the spotlight for my closing paragraph.

Pat epitomizes many teachers and coaches in schools today. They are changing their students’ lives by doing the little things that make a big difference. Teachers like Pat are memory makers, doing the right thing at the right time for students. Turning failures into positive learning moments. Expecting students to exceed their own expectations. Preparing students for a successful future without needing a crystal ball.

Like Pat Weber, these teachers, every day, in the classroom, in the gym, on the field, and in life, are creating fans of learning and growing without the fanfare.