Weimer using lessons learned in Pan-Am deaf games and passing them on to Knights
Kaneland girls volleyball coach Todd Weimer wanted to remember everything about his trip to Venezuela last month, so he kept a detailed journal about everything that happened in the week-plus he was there.
But this was no ordinary trip. Weimer, who is deaf, was in Venezuela as a player representing the United States in the 2007 Pan American Deaf Games.
His journal, which was 15 pages long, described all the things that took place -- the games against Mexico and Venezuela, his lost luggage, injuries, buses broken down, meals he ate and all the things he learned in the time he was there.
"I wanted to keep a journal to see what came out of (the trip)" Weimer said. "I knew it was going to be an interesting experience. I was wondering what could be learned from my experience and I wanted to be able to write it down and share it with my girls."
After Weimer guided the United States to the Silver medal and was named team MVP (or, jugadore mas destacados in Spanish), he came back to school Aug. 20, which gave him less than 12 hours before school started.
Weimer couldn't wait to share his experiences with his team, as he wore his Silver medal to practice, yet admitted that first Monday back was stressful for both players and himself.
"The girls were really stressed out because they really wanted to show me what they learned and what they were doing the last week without me," Weimer said.
Practice for high school volleyball began Aug. 13, the same day competition started in Venezuela.
"We didn't come to lose and we weren't going home until we finished the job."
Weimer wrote that Aug. 13 when describing his team playing Mexico, which his team beat in five games.
The next day, USA played Venezuela and lost. Weimer wrote, "We beat ourselves. I'm not sure if that's OK or not…It's hard being a role model and leader. I'm trying my best to do what I can."
After a day off, USA played again and secured the Silver medal, despite Weimer battling illness. After beating Mexico again, Weimer wrote, "In 2 weeks, I'm not going to remember that I was hurt or sick. I was going to remember that we were going to beat Mexico."
The next day, USA played Venezuela for the Gold medal, but lost. "I was upset. I still had energy to play more. I wanted to keep playing. How could I have spent all my energy on the floor? I wanted to feel like I left everything on the court."
Weimer's team may have not won the Gold, but it still qualified for the 2009 Deaflympics in Taipei, Taiwan, which he started training for the day after he returned to the United States. Apparently, that wasn't too soon. "What you do today will help you get there tomorrow? What are you going to do today that will help you reach your goal?"
Weimer's new knowledge has carried over to the Knights. Just three weeks into this season, Kaneland surpassed last year's total number of wins.
"I've talked to them about playing hard, playing to win and having fun," Weimer said. "I think that has shown."
After a season-opening loss to Burlington Central, the Knights won their first game in the first week of the season in a 2-game victory over St. Viator in Wheaton North's tournament.
"That was a wonderful night," Weimer said. "It was a huge step for the entire program. It was just amazing."
On Tuesday, the Knights also won their first conference match against Rochelle under Weimer, who is in his third season coaching varsity.
Weimer plans on allowing the Knights to read his journal from Venezuela when he's done editing it.
"I hope they learn from it, especially with some of the game situation stuff and working with teammates," Weimer said. "I think it's important for them to see and realize that."
Cbolin@dailyherald.com