No one was too big for him to attack.. But as the months went by, he got worse, and the chalk began dropping to the floor. Charlie's greatest accomplishment, though, came as football coach at Los Gatos High School, winning seven league championships and posting a 78-18-1 record after he was afflicted with ALS. They did. The euphoria was short-lived. He had strong opinions. He was named Hawaii Prep Athlete of the 1960s. A native of Hawaii, where he was known as the "God of Lightning" because of his athletic ability, he went on to play football at Somehow, the barriers always come down, dismantled by a man who cant even talk. Offensively, he was honestly ahead of his time at the high school level, said Cattolico. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Behind the scenes sports news. How did the Wedemeyers deal with it, 24 hours a day, every day and night, for the past 32 years? You try like hell not to say ALS. The thing is . Charlie Wedemeyer defied the odds and broke all of the records. There are so many great Charlie Wedemeyer stories. But it was quite a ride literally, in Charlies specially equipped wheelchair. In October 2020, 22-year-old Samantha Cercena was looking forward to finishing her senior year at Ohio University and graduating in the spring with a nursing degree, her childhood dream. More remarkably, her character doesn't age despite the constant pressure and tension Lucy must have felt from Charlie's continuing reliance upon her over 10 years. By 1983, the disease had taken its toll and Charlie couldnt speak. Lucy researched medical options and discovered that a portable ventilator could aid Charlies breathing. The Warriors had won seven straight, handing Punahou its only regular-season loss in the season opener, before being upset by Roosevelt in the final week to set up the playoff that drew a sellout crowd of 25,038 fans. To nominate a business demonstrating outstanding respect for its employees, community and the environment, visit Great Place to Work. Interestingly, the 1964 Punahou-Kamehameha playoff game was also televised live throughout the state. More than just another tribute to the resiliency of the human spirit, the inspiring story of football coach Charlie Wedemeyer, diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease over 15 years ago, also offers powerful examples of commitment and love in a time when so many "difficult" marriages Still, restaurant excursions remain one of his greatest pleasures. Receiver and defensive back Craig Springbett recalled Wedemeyer as a great coach. Mike Harrington: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch. Lucy, daughter Carrie and son Kale (Charles in Hawaiian) are attending the enshrinement at the Polynesian Cultural Center. After his graduation from Punahou in 1965 he attended Michigan State University where he played for coach Duffy Daugherty. pic.twitter.com/3D8RqjMixO. I never saw anyone battle harder, without moving a muscle. After being diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, he continued to teach and coach football at Los Gatos High School. Kale, then 15, saved him by sticking a catheter down his throat, clearing an airway and forcing him to gag and cough. Remembering Charlie Wedemeyer. Other than a few facial movements, Wedemeyer cant move a muscle. And every night around 10 p.m., Cercena sets up the TPN to deliver nutrition for the next 12 hours through an IV while she sleeps. At one point, the school principal tells Charlie his speech is too difficult to understand and he can no longer coach. When Charlie attended games, he sat in the end zone so he could see blocking schemes. But all of them boil down to this: He always made people feel more joyful being around him despite the incurable amyotrophic lateral sclerosis that trapped his fully functioning brain inside a totally limp body. The immense payoffs overshadow the games grass roots. 1 in that category until his death Thursday morning at age 64 of complications from pneumonia. Ive been around Hawaii athletics for most of my adult life,, said Pal Eldredge, 62, a former Wedemeyer teammate and later a coach at Punahou. The film was shot on location in South Carolina, with the Wedemeyer family present. "That's been my biggest goal. Clad in a black Los Gatos coaching shirt, Wedemeyer is ready to go. "She's a saint for pushing that thing," says Cercena. Wedemeyers relentless spirit finally gave way to his bodys fight with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at age 64 on June 3, 2010. The school really stuck by him, and [principal Ted Simonson] really stuck by him, said Cattolico. The northern California high school all-star football game in San Jose, celebrating its 35th year, is named the Charlie Wedemeyer All-Star Game in his honor. No matter what. Even as ALS began to ravage his body, Wedemeyer persevered. I cant imagine. For the first time, he believed he could coach again. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. He thought that was quite an honor, said game chairman Jim Guido. He was able to achieve so much and he did it with such grace.. Eight years later, he had lost 60 pounds and had stopping breathing twice. Dick Sparrer is the editor of the Los Gatos Weekly-Times and Saratoga News, and sports editor for the Los Gatos, Saratoga, Campbell, Cupertino, Sunnyvale and San Jose weekly newspapers. I dont think anybody will ever realize how important it is to the kids of this community to have played football for coach Wedemeyer, added Cattolico. The real Lucy has retained her beauty, which suggests that Dawber's appearance is understandable. Dec. 26, 1988: Quiet Victory: The Charlie Wedemeyer Story, a TV movie, airs on national network television. Would dismantling Interstate 980 repair damage to Black neighborhoods? Were all going to experience it. "We've had a bit of a bumpy ride since Charlie had kidney failure more than a year ago," she said. Wedemeyer was the last of nine children born to Bill and Ruth Wedemeyer. Wedemeyer went to see Griffin, the Los Gatos team doctor and an orthopedic surgeon. He was confined to a wheelchair and talked to his players through Lucy, using a language of blinks, eyebrow raises and cheek twitches to communicate with her. She said the doctor first resisted, contending that Charlie would be susceptible to infection, but then performed the tracheotomy. ALS is a terminal illness in which one is given, at most, three years to live. Wedemeyer returned, this time sharing space on the golf cart with a ventilator and portable generator. Lets go over the four important words again, she said. He had that explosiveness. I think it is our greatest accomplishment.". A nurse pries his mouth open, brushes his teeth and suctions out the foam and rinse water. He has trouble writing the "t" in heart, an early indication of his illness. He's expected to be released this week, in time to attend a coaches' all-star dinner Friday and the 35th Charlie Wedemeyer All-Star Game next Wednesday at Spartan Stadium in San Jose. Their story attracted national attention, and they were the subject of a made-for-TV movie in the 1980s. Wedemeyer, upon earning his Masters degree at Central Michigan University, settled into a teaching and coaching career at Los Gatos, but he was diagnosed at age 32 with ALS in 1978 shortly after he was named the head coach at Los Gatos High. 10 Days of a Good Man A lawyer turned So what does Sabres GM Kevyn Adams do this week? He went on to star for coach Duffy Dougherty at Michigan State University, where he represented the Spartans in the East-West Shrine Game and the Hula Bowl, and marry his high school sweetheart, Lucy Dangler. Only 10 percent live longer than a decade. They would go by and touch Charlie after they were introduced before the game.. 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One of those people I wanted to personally thank for opening doors was Jimmy Raye. Kyle Chandlers Wife Kathryn Chandler Professional Life ", Still, Cercena held onto her dream of becoming an ER nurse. Wedemeyers final game in seven years as the head coach included a Hollywood ending. In the fall of 1976, Wedemeyer began having trouble pressing the chalk against the blackboard as he taught math classes. Everyone who had the disease died in three years. Would dismantling Interstate 980 repair damage to Black neighborhoods? ' she asked, meaning there would be no attempt at resuscitation if Charlie stopped breathing again. He was joined in this photo around him left-to-right: NFL coaches Jon Gruden and John Madden, two family friends, former 49ers coach Steve Mariucci and Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo. Or, we can choose to go through the situation knowing we will become better and stronger for it. ", "My goal has always been to be able to go back and finish and help others in the way that the staff at Riverside [an OhioHealth hospital in Columbus] and Cleveland Clinic have helped me," she says. Shes looking to get smoked; Messages reveal aggressive threats from suspect on morning of San Carlos beheading, Antioch council ends remote-meeting options for members and the public, Zoom chops about 200 jobs in Bay Area, tech layoffs mount, The 10 most expensive reported home sales in Hayward the week of Feb. 20. He has met astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, a fellow ALS survivor, and was named the Disabled American of the Year in 1992. Im sure you will enjoy reading about the journey! Pro football Hall of Fame Coach, TONY DUNGY. Cercena, of Columbus, Ohio, became ill with respiratory symptoms and body aches. And he ranked No. In the spring of 1986, after nine seasons as head coach, Wedemeyer was fired because of the burden his illness had placed on his assistants. IRS delays tax deadline for Bay Area, but California hasn't followed: What should you do? Heres a guy who could have been a good high school coach. Their marriage is blessed with two daughters, Sydney and Sawyer, now aged 24 and Daughter Carri Andry, 40, lives in Los Gatos and runs the Charlie Wedemeyer Family Outreach, which raises money for ALS families. Wedemeyer played in the East-West Shrine Game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, and then came back home to play in the 1969 Hula Bowl. His family established the Charlie Wedemeyer Family Outreach program that would present scholarships to deserving young people and raise funds for others coping with ALS; his autobiography, Charlies Victory, offers an inspirational story of love, courage and commitment; and the Wedemeyers would travel the world, according to their website, to share their message that he is a living testament that, with God, all things are possible.. Carri runs the Web site for the Charlie Wedemeyer Family Outreach program, which raises money for ALS research, while Kale is a doctor in private practice. . Then his wheelchair is latched to the floor. Whether you win or lose, we will act like gentlemen.". He played two years of semi-pro football for the Lansing (Mich.) All-Stars. It began with his high school sports career, carried into his college football career, followed by teaching and coaching. Wedemeyers body deteriorated. Charlie is survived by his wife of 44 years, Lucy, daughter Carri (& Keith) Andry of Los Gatos, son Kale (& Sonia) Wedemeyer of Los Gatos, seven grandchildren, In the celebration that followed, Wedemeyers respirator hose was knocked loose. He is the son of the famed Brooklyn Dodger catcher, whose own wonderful life was shattered when he was paralyzed after an automobile accident. If it were a game of touch football, he still would have scored. He's not finished. But this year, in addition to the 49ers, honoring Wedemeyer includes a post-season. Wedemeyer was rushed to Santa Teresa Community Hospital, but for three days Charlie lapsed in and out of consciousness. A graduate of Occidental College, hes a two-time winner of California Sportswriter of the Year and first place for beat writing by Associated Press Sports Editors. Charlie Wedmeyer is survived by his wife, Lucy; his son, Dr. Kale Wedemeyer; his daughter, Carri Andry; seven grandchildren; and five sisters and one brother. This story appeared in the Mercury News on Dec. 2, 2007, almost 30 years after he was diagnosed with ALS. Campanella told a publicist for the film: "I hope this movie has a positive effect not only on those who must deal with disabilities, but also on all those who face any kind of obstacle they feel they cannot beat. Wedemeyer died early Thursday in a San Jose hospital of pneumonia and was surrounded by family and friends, said his wife, Lucy. ", Quiet Victory: The Charlie Wedemeyer Story, Coach Charlie Wedemeyer was a national inspiration, "Wedemeyer's greatest feat: beating adversity", Quiet Victory: The Charlie Wedemeyer Story at IMDB.com, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Charlie_Wedemeyer&oldid=1126434804, Players of American football from Honolulu, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with dead external links from November 2016, Articles with permanently dead external links, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 9 December 2022, at 09:04. The incurable disease attacks the nervous system and destroys the ability of people to control their muscles. Charlie, though, didn't squirm like his brother, Herman, an All-American at St. Mary's, but feinted, side-stepped, dodged and eluded every would-be tackler to step into the 'ewa end zone. His athletic feats remain legendary on the islands, and friends discovered that if theyre with Charlie in Hawaii, they wont have to pay for a meal. I was in tears.. You have to accept it, grow with it and move on.. 1970: Takes teaching job at Los Gatos High. "In a sense," he told them, "I also have a life sentence.". His legacy has lived on for how he carried himself and for the love he had for his players and other coaches. During one such visit to a small Chinese place in Los Gatos, Wedemeyer was struck by the aroma as the front door opened. It was as if someone was standing right next to him, saying, Just trust in me and everything will be OK.. Zoom chops about 200 jobs in Bay Area, tech layoffs mount, The 10 most expensive reported home sales in Hayward the week of Feb. 20, Feds charge two with robbing two San Francisco banks during the same day, Ukraine official: Forces may pull out of key city of Bakhmut. Realizing the weight of the moment, Lucy measured her response carefully. The ordeal left her unable to return to school "like I had originally planned," says Cercena, who learned she'd been accepted into a selective emergency room immersion training program at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. Kaulukukui was a Hawaii legend as a player and coach of the Rainbows. He was eventually forced to coach from a golf cart. He was the subject of a PBS documentary and a made-for-TV movie. Springbett, a 1981 Los Gatos graduate, played for Wedemeyer during his junior and senior years. A year later, he felt weakness in his right hand. "It sometimes added a little pressure, knowing he was there watching, but it was great to be able to ask him questions about each incident in the story. Three cheers -- and three tears -- for Charlie. When he lost his voice to the insidious disease with no cure, Lucy, his high school sweetheart at Punahou School in Honolulu, read his lips to relay play calls. His sheer will and family support helped him beat that ominous diagnosis. Even in his last few days, as Wedemeyer entered the final throes of his guerrilla war against ALS, he and his family were confounding the physicians. Charlie Wedemeyer was having difficulty writing on the chalkboard in his classroom. My hat is off to that woman, said Frank Griffin, the Los Gatos doctor who made the original ALS diagnosis. Pam Dawber portrayed Lucy Wedemeyer. Somehow stardom has eluded Nouri, who epitomizes the athletic-looking, handsome leading man. Hes the most amazing guy youll ever meet, the person told me. "Charlie being on hand was a real inspiration," Nouri told a publicist. They recognize the words that signal a potential crisis. Charlie Wedmeyer is survived by his wife, Lucy; his son, Dr. Kale Wedemeyer; his daughter, Carri Andry; seven grandchildren; and five sisters and one brother. Doctors always wanted Charlie to behave like a normal ALS patient and die gently after the good fight. Feb. 19, 1946: Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, the youngest of nine children to Bill and Ruth Wedemeyer. I was the one who said, Probably two or three years. Thats what the medical books said at the time. Hes been one great inspiration for us, let alone for all of the kids who have played in the game. More people can know about someone that faced adversity and never gave up. Everybody at the school thought that was pretty darn neat. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. He's such a motivator that spending time with him also makes it easy to see that his story is a story of hope.". Michael Nouri portrayed Wedemeyer in the 1988 made-for-TV movie Quiet Victory: The Charlie Wedemeyer Story filmed at Stratford High School in Goose Creek, South Carolina. Every day has been a blessing, according to Lucy Wedemeyer, a real estate agent in Los Gatos, Calif., where the Wedemeyers have lived since 1972. Menu. Charlie, 63, is still making headlines and is continuing to receive gifts, including the most precious gift of all life. The two tied the knot in 1995 and have remained the ultimate sweethearts to date. "Everything that Samantha's been through, at such a young age, she is going to be an amazing nurse. Charlie didnt diplomatically recognize the word. My mom's siblings were Hanson, Irene, Penny, George, Mike, Jesse Wedemeyer of Honolulu. As he forms the words, the nurses repeat in unison: Wedemeyer smiles. Apparently, Charlie had stayed around longer than the principal expected. Still blessed with a funny wit, Charlie thought God must have a sense of humor as well for making someone who can't speak be His spokesman. Hazards and dangers are everywhere, and he must be looked after every second, day and night. Feb. 19, 1946: Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, the youngest of nine children to Bill and Ruth Wedemeyer. I remember how the San Francisco Giants once invited him to throw out the first pitch at a home game. The Loves of Dracula. And what, exactly, did Charlie say this time? He made us better in the early years.. But you havent experienced anything close to what hes gone through with his life.. She always read his lips and interpreted his words. Coach Wedemeyer expected a lot, but he didnt have to yell at you. He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosismore commonly known as Lou Gehrigs diseaseand it was estimated that he had only two or three years to live. She insisted that the hospital find one. He wanted to wet the fingers and throw a spitter.. In one of the movie's opening scenes, Charlie is shown going to the blackboard and writing his coaching motto, "Pride and Heart." Cheering on the sidelines was Lucy Dangler, Wedemeyer's high school sweetheart and now his wife of 42 years. He was a superb coach who brought a real commitment to excellence in terms of dealing with the kids. Year after year, Charlie kept living, in remarkable ways. Its a heavy burden, Griffin said. Practice is a highlight, despite the two- or three-hour process of getting out the door. 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We have been blessed. Her husband, Keith, works with Lucy in their real estate business and oversees the hiring of Charlies nurses. But during her hands-on clinical training at a hospital pediatrics department, she tested positive for COVID-19. They should just play the game, Charlie told me. Already weakened by an inability to eat and weighing less than 100 pounds Wedemeyer stopped breathing three times, twice in a 48-hour span. Their stories are what fuel us, Lucy said. He continued to be a coach at the high school and be part of it all for 30 years.. Miss Manners: I shouldn't call because the phone scares people? The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame enshrinement brings it all together Hawaii, Punahou, Michigan State, Los Gatos and a courageous fight against a disease with no cure. This is pure joy for our family, Lucy said. You have permission to edit this article. Wedemeyer's greatest feat: beating adversity. Simonson called Wedemeyer a great example for everyone. Today, he inspires others through his will to live. Charlie Wedemeyer (February 19, 1946 June 3, 2010) was a high school teacher and football coach. Whenever theres an obstacle to overcome, its much easier to think how hard it would be if you were in his shoes. Harriette Cole: I don't want the neighbor's kids at my house, Dear Abby: My wife said she doesn't like it, but it's part of my life, Ask Amy: I feel guilty for not speaking up about my co-worker's activities, Ask Amy: I'm your cabin housekeeper, and you apparently have no idea what I do. They did. He finally had to give up coaching, but continued to go on speaking engagements at schools, churches, service groups, hospitals and even prisons, the first at O'ahu Community Correctional Center during a visit in 1989. The ventilator fastened to Wedemeyers throat, as well as a feeding tube inserted in his stomach, saved his life. Despite permanent back, shoulder and neck injuries caused by years of straining to lift her husband, she works up to 15 hours a day, seven days a week. His whole ego and sense of accomplishment were all wrapped up by what he did on the field. He thought that striving for anything less than the very best was unacceptable., Simonson went on to say that Wedemeyers determination could sometimes make him a hard man to live with. Muscle contraction causes Wedemeyers toes to curl, so Popsicle sticks are taped to the bottom of each toe to keep them straight while pulling on socks and shoes. She still remembers the game. Wedemeyer died on June 3, 2010, from pneumonia, a complication caused by a recent surgery. Lucy said she no longer experiences the despair she felt years ago when Kale and Carri, barely teenagers, helped ease her pain with prayer. IRS delays tax deadline for Bay Area, but California hasn't followed: What should you do? Wedemeyer, who died in 2010, was a former Los Gatos High School teacher football coach who continued to teach and coach after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 1978. WebWhile on the run from dangerous enemies, an assassin (Jennifer Lopez) comes out of hiding to protect the daughter she gave up years before. Charlie Wedemeyer is supposed to be dead. He was teaching in Flint, Mich., when in 1970 he accepted an educational fellowship in San Jose, and a teaching and coaching job at Los Gatos two years later. 4.27. Though only 5-foot-7, 164 pounds, Wedemeyer played wide receiver and blocking back at Michigan State and took part in the Spartans' memorable 10-10 tie with Notre Dame in 1966, the first game local fans saw televised live from the Mainland. Cheering on the sidelines was Lucy Dangler, Wedemeyer's high school sweetheart and now his wife of 42 years. My coaches, in football, basketball and track, were, outside of my dad, the most influential people I knew.. Wedemeyer was a successful coach at Los Gatos High School, even after being diagnosed at 30 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. 2010new Date().getFullYear()>&document.write("-"+new Date().getFullYear());, Company. Three Bay Area men, including justice reform activist, plead guilty in Norteo RICO murder case, Californias hardest to book campground isnt in a famous park. Wedemeyer played quarterback on the football team along with basketball and baseball at Punahou, the alma mater of President Barack Obama. COVID Nurse Struggles with PTSD After Seeing Her Patients Die: 'I Wonder Why I'm Still Breathing'. "It's something I never thought Charlie would see," said Lucy when Kale graduated from Los Gatos High with a 3.85 GPA, a glittering number which made Wedemeyer prouder than the 33 touchdowns and back-to-back, 1,000-yard rushing seasons his son put up. He was not a big man in stature, but he was a big man in life, Simonson said. He makes an annual appearance at the Charlie Wedemeyer All-Star Football Classic in San Jose, and he continues to help coach the Los Gatos frosh-soph team. "And it has never changed. "It's not light.". He cooked by directing his family through recipes, even though he could taste the food only briefly before it had to be removed from his mouth. About five minutes after I moved to San Jose in 1984, someone told me about Charlie Wedemeyer. But after the prayer, she said, it was in full bloom. A high school coachs invaluable role too often is lost in a sports world focused the attention that the College Football Playoff and the Super Bowl attracts. Clinical training at a hospital pediatrics department, she said school level said. Doctor first resisted, contending that Charlie would be no attempt at resuscitation Charlie! 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