What can we learn from sports? Sports can teach us the excitement of competition, the value of hard work and preparation, the sting of defeat and the thrill of hard-fought victory.
Stan Weber has experienced all of this: As a player, a commentator and as a dad.
As his last child reaches the end of his collegiate athletic career, Weber recently reflected on the value of athletics – not just the lessons for sports, but lessons for life.
Weber is a lifelong sports fan. “No one I’ve met yet loved sports as much as I do,” he said.
He couldn’t get enough: “When I was four years old, I’d be watching games on TV. My friends wanted me to come out and play, but I’d tell them to wait until halftime.”
Weber grew up playing multiple sports, living in the suburbs of west Wichita. He attended school in the nearby rural community of Goddard, population 5,084 people. Now, that’s rural.
Weber was an outstanding athlete, named MVP of the Shrine Bowl his senior season. He was even named by the Wichita Eagle as the state’s Male Athlete of the Year. He was recruited elsewhere by future superstar coaches such as Jimmy Johnson and Pat Dye, but chose Kansas State. He appreciated the whole package of K-State’s sports, academics…and especially the people.
“I came to K-State because of the people,” Weber said. “These are true Kansans with a love for each other.”
He overcame an injury to win the starting quarterback job in his junior year, became a team captain and led the team in rushing while earning Academic All-American honors his senior season. He also met his future wife, K-State cheerleader Nancy Freshnock of Manhattan.
Weber earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting and pursued a career in the Kansas City area. Today, he is president of Tower Properties in Kansas City, Kansas.
In 1987, Weber got a call from the K-State athletic director asking if he would be a commentator on the K-State sports radio network. “I’m not trained and I’m not sure you want me, but I do love football,” he replied.
In the broadcast booth, he joined Mitch Holthus, who at that time was the Voice of the Wildcats. “Mitch taught me how to do this,” Weber said.
In 2005, Weber started broadcasting basketball as well. He is now in his 35th year of broadcasting the Wildcats. He has covered more than 425 consecutive games…and counting.
Stan and Nancy Weber have four children, two girls and two boys. “Brittani is our oldest daughter,” he said. “She was the leader and now she and her husband Tyler have three kids of their own.” Daughter McKenzi played volleyball at K-State.
The Weber’s two sons are Stanton and Landry, both of whom have followed in their father’s footsteps, playing football and studying accounting at K-State. Stanton became a special teams captain. Landry became a starting wide receiver.
Back in Stan Weber’s senior season, he led K-State to a 24-7 win over KU. His boys have continued that tradition as well, with a combined 11-0 record over the University of Kansas.
Landry, the youngest son, is completing his final year of eligibility as K-State heads to a bowl game. “Whether it’s been football or a dance recital, it’s been 25-plus years of competition,” Stan Weber said.
“I thank God for this opportunity,” he said. “I understand how hard it is to play at this level. It’s been a great joy. We’ve also taught our kids that there’s a responsibility that goes with it.”
“I love sports, not just the competition, but what it teaches you about life.”
What can we learn from sports? We can learn the importance of hard work, putting the team first, persevering through the highs and lows. We commend Stan Weber for making a difference by sharing these experiences with family and with fans. These are lessons for life, and a legacy.
