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October 20, 2023

GETTING TO KNOW......Jack Weber

photo: Gene Lawerence

 

Not many athletes ever have the opportunity to reach the podium at the Indiana State High School Championships and accept a medal for finishing in the top nine in their event. THE PODIUM - It is the dream of every high schooler in Indiana. Last June, as a senior at Guerin Catholic High School, Jack Weber earned two trips to the podium in Bloomington. In the 4x800m, he ran the second leg for Guerin Catholic as they finished ninth, the first relay podium in school history. Later in the evening, he set a career best by nearly three seconds in the 1600m; running 4:13.43 to finish seventh.

The medals draped around his neck last June were the culmination of a hard-fought battle back from a near-tragic bike accident he was involved in just eight months earlier. Weber, who started running in the third grade, had made steady improvements leading into his senior cross country season, with indications that he was primed to take a run at qualifying for the state championships. In early September, he won the Indiana All-Catholic Championship title in 16:03, and a week later, he finished 19th at the highly competitive Riverview Health Invitational, running 16:13. But, three weeks later, on the day before the sectionals, he was riding his bike and was struck by a car. The accident was very serious. He sustained a significant skull fracture with a traumatic brain injury (brain bleed), a fractured jaw, a severe bone bruise on his lower leg, hearing loss, and multiple abrasions. 
He was out of school for six weeks and was allowed to run for the first time in late November; but only for five minutes.  For the first six weeks, he started with five minutes every other day, increasing five minutes each time. It took six weeks to work up to 10 miles a week. Severe headaches and sensitivity to light were an ongoing issue. With the continued injury impact and the late training start, he was definitely behind on training as he looked ahead to his senior track season. 

By January, he was cleared to begin training and during the indoor season had some encouraging early results given all that he'd been through, including being part of two indoor school record relays. His first big test was the Miracle Mile at Franklin Central in April where he ran a significant personal best, stopping the clock at 4:20.53. During the final six weeks of the season, he continued to improve in his lead-up to the state championships. He set a school record in the 400m running 50.03, ran 9:25 for 3200m, and, of course, qualified for the state championships in the 1600m 

He does have partial permanent hearing loss in one ear and still battles headaches. He also faces some restrictions due to the brain injury that he may carry with him indefinitely since another head injury could be especially problematic.

Following his success during his senior year he was extended an invitation to compete for the University of Kansas and is settled in as a freshman in Lawrence.

IN THEIR WORDS
Tom Gallagher, Guerin Catholic Head Track & Field Coach

When I started coaching Jack as a grade schooler running for the Northside Saints…he was your typical goofy, immature runner.  He relied on talent and tried to go out hard and hang on the best he could.  Coaching him through high school allowed me to see him grow in maturity on and off the track.  This patience not only taught him how to race at the next level, but to apply it as his biggest life lesson.  He never gave up after the devastating accident that took away his chance to make it to the state cross country championship.  Instead, he patiently healed and trained when he could and turned disappointment into an amazing track season!
 

So let's get to know Jack Weber a bit more; both on and off the track........
 


How did you get your start in running?

I was in 3rd grade and my school offered a junior joggers program for 1-3 graders and my mom convinced me to try it. I ended up being fast enough to get moved up to run with the real cross country team that year and even qualified for the USATF Nationals in San Antonio that year, and I was hooked from there.
 

Last fall  you were hit by a car while riding your bike. Can you tell us a bit about that accident and what your recovery looked like?

It was crazy, the accident occurred as I was biking to our team dinner the night before sectionals. It had a significant impact on me, resulting in a Traumatic Brain Injury, a fractured jaw, an injured leg, and some degree of hearing loss. This setback was particularly challenging due to its unfortunate timing, and the recovery process was quite lengthy. I was hospitalized for roughly 3 days and was on bedrest for 8ish weeks. My primary focus from that point onward was getting back into running, although the journey started slowly. Initially, I began with physical therapy and light walks. As time went on, around January, I gradually advanced to running about 10 miles per week and continued to build up from there.
 

You had a very successful high school career, what would you consider the two or three most memorable highlights?

Definitely the state track meet my senior year. Being able to come back from my cross country season ending early by finishing on the podium in two events was pretty special. I would also say upsetting Carmel in the 4x800 at the sectional meet this year was a very memorable experience that I got to share with teammates.
 

Favorite subject in school?

In high school, history was my favorite 


Favorite Workout?

Not a specific workout, but anything where we would do 1-3 miles at tempo followed by 200 repeats.
 

Favorite place to run?

Anywhere on the Monon trail especially at night.
 

Favorite Food?

Steak and potatoes, or sushi depends on the day.


Favorite Restaurant?

St. Elmo’s in downtown Indianapolis. I don’t get to go often but the food is incredible.
 

Favorite TV Shows?

I don’t watch a lot of TV shows, but I just watched Narcos and that one's amazing.
 

If you could have lunch with one person who would it be? 

Yeat for sure, I think he would have some interesting things to say that would make for a memorable lunch.
 

How about dinner with one person? 

Colton Harris Moore, I’m sure he has a lot to say about life.
 

Your Role Model?

Steph Curry I admire the way he’s changed the game of basketball just by perfecting a skill no one really had before him.
 

Your Favorite Athlete? 

Gradey Dick, he just left Kansas to play for the Toronto Raptors, but I find him really entertaining to watch.
 

You recently matriculated to the University of Kansas.  Can you provide some insight on that decision and also share with us the other schools you considered?

I only visited 3 schools before choosing, the others being Illinois, and Belmont, but I pretty much immediately knew I wanted to go Kansas after being there in person. I knew I wanted to go to a big school, and Kansas just felt like home.
 

Do you know what you want to study in college yet?

I’m planning on studying Econ and Pre Law.
 

What do you want to be doing in 5 years?  10 years?

In 5 years I’d like to be making good progress on my Law degree, and in 10 years I’ll hopefully be employed doing something I’m happy with.

 



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