Inspiring autistic football player wins a scholarship

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Inspiring autistic football player wins a scholarship

By JOE LAMBE

The Kansas City Star

http://www.kansascity.com/637/v-print/story/1726176.html

An Overland Park teen who inspired Blue Valley Northwest High School and was

nominated by his coach for the Rudy Award was named Wednesday as a runner-up.

Weafer, who will receive a $5,000 academic scholarship, was one of two

runners-up for the national award that is named for Rudy Ruettiger, the famous

Notre Dame football walk-on. The award honors high school football players who

embody courage, character, contribution and commitment.

was born on Super Bowl Sunday 19 years ago, diagnosed as autistic at age 3

and didn't play football until his senior year in high school. The doctor told

his parents he might never say more than a few words.

's football coach, Mike Zegunis, said Wednesday, " We've known is a

really special person, and now the whole United States knows it. "

For years, had sensory problems and fixations, such as one on the family's

neighborhood swimming pool, where he spent many hours each summer day. He would

wear only a purple T-shirt, silver shorts and flip-flops every day. refused

to wear other shoes.

Then in January of last year he declared, " I play football. "

His father, Bob Weafer, was skeptical but talked to Zegunis, and started to

work out in the off-season. He lifted weights. He got stronger and looked like a

football player.

Bob Weafer took a chance and bought a pair of cleats.

When the day came for to suit up, he put on the uniform and the cleats.

He showed up at every practice, liked it and became a defensive lineman, wearing

the purple colors of the Huskies. His experience inspired others.

When football season was over, another coach suggested wrestle. The teen

said, " I wrestle, " and is now on the wrestling team.

Weafer, 's mother, said her son wrestled Tuesday evening and pinned his

opponent.

Because cannot go to college, she said, the family plans to award the

scholarship to another member of the football team.

They will call it the 88 Award after 's football number, she said, and it

will go to the senior who best matches the four character traits of the Rudy

Award.

" Where he is today is incredible, " Weafer said. " It's been a great senior

year for him. "