EHS athletes have been healed and assisted by the skilled hands of Mr. Charlie Weir, athletic trainer, for the past six years.

Mr. Weir just returned to work yesterday, Sept. 22, after recovering from complications when he donated his kidney to his mother early this summer.

He has always been one to help.

Two school years ago, Ethan Brock, Class of 2013, collapsed during a PE class, prompting many people including Mr. Weir out to the scene. After Brock was tended to, Weir accompanied him to the hospital and was right by Brock’s side throughout the entire process.

“Charlie was with Ethan from the beginning. He also spent time with him at the hospital,” Ms. Deborah Asher, head principal, said. “Charlie has proven himself to be a caring individual. He has a big heart.”

The reputation that Mr. Weir has established is one of a dedicated worker that is able to ease everyone’s tension.

“Charlie has been around for many years now,” Mr. Farrell Shelton, head football coach, said. “Whenever you see a familiar face on the sideline it just raises the comfort level for everyone.”

The personal connections that come with the amount of time spent at EHS have made Mr. Weir an integral member of the EHS athletics team.

“He’s been here so long,” Dr. Green said. “He knows the kids so well and when dealing with injuries, or things of that nature, it’s better to have a pretty good feel for the kids.”

Mr. Weir’s promptness and execution of his job is another reason that makes him indispensable to the community. The way he devotes his life to help athletes is evident.

“My knee was dislocated in a game last year,” Brendan Kloeppel, varsity football guard, said. “I was lying on my back, and Charlie was the first one out there. He was very calm, and helped me out a lot.”

This summer, Mr. Weir went through a lot of medical procedures when early on in the summer he donated a kidney to his mother.

“Donating a kidney to my mom was one of best decisions I’ve made,” Mr. Weir said during a phone interview.

Mr. Weir had his gallbladder removed a month later. He didn’t know he had gallbladder problems, but the process of donating a kidney revealed issues that required removal.

“I think what he did is a great lesson,” Coach Shelton said. “It is such a show of love. We preach about finding something bigger than you, and that is a great example.”

The job of being an athletic trainer is a unpredictable and a stressful position.

“Depending on the day, we could have two or three kids to even 40 kids to assist,” Ms. Rachelle Stebe, interim athletic trainer, said. “Then, sometimes you’re wanted in multiple places at the same time.”

Despite the challenges that come with the job, Mr. Weir could not wait to return to being the full time athletic trainer, Sept. 22.

“I love my job,” Mr. Weir said. “Helping athletes succeed as much as possible is my life.”

Whether it’s students, athletes or coaches, everyone missed Mr. Weir’s work.

“Honestly, I think he’s a great trainer,” Kloeppel said. “He knows what he’s doing, and he is great at his job.”

Mr. Weir’s absence left a void.

“He’s friendly, he’s helpful and he does what ever he can to help the athletes here,” Coach Conley said. “He likes to help people out.”

When dealing with high stress situations he is always comforting and enthusiastic, consoling those injured.

“You don’t have to be scared if something is hurting,” Mallory Proffer, varsity basketball guard, said. “He’s a very comforting person.”

The challenges that he dealt with this summer have kept him out of work so far this year. However, Mr. Weir returned to work yesterday, Sept. 22.

“I got cleared to return,” Mr. Weir said. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone.”

Mr. Weir wanted to thank the students, staff, administrators and coaches for all the get-well cards, prayers and thoughts while he was recovering.

The staff is as excited as Mr. Weir to welcome him back.

“Charlie is a high-character person,” Dr. Jason Green, athletic director, said. “He is passionate about what he does. He loves the students and helping them out.”