Hard Work Pays Off

Junior Kage “Lovie” Weil not only dominates on the gridiron, but he allows people with the same vision as his own to realize that their dreams can become a reality.
As a child, Weil and many of his peers aspired to play football and baseball. Now, his dream has been put into action, and he gives his all every Friday night as the standout running back for the Lakeland Hawks.

He was announced as the Inland Empire League player of the week by the CDA Press after his 155-yard performance against Lake City. Weil set career highs the following week with 223 yards and three touchdowns against Pullman. 

Weil is a proud Hawk and gives back to his community by performing terrifically in sports and school. He has proven himself on and off the field.

He has been playing football for nine years, since second grade. His skills influence and inspire others on the team and throughout Lakeland High School. 

Weil has given it his all to Hawks athletics since his freshman year. He faces opposition with resilience and sportsmanship. He supports his teammates, and they support him. His football teammates say his lighthearted spirit brings up the mood of the team. 

“He brings a sense of comedic relief to the team and keeps us locked in on the field,” teammate Carter Vanek said. 

Teammates lean on Weil for a good perspective and comedic outlook. He opens up the idea to his teammates that what they are doing in the weight room and the pain they experience during practice will lead them to victory. 

“I’m feeling really good about the rest of this season,” Weil said. “I think we are well prepared, and I have high hopes that we as a team will make it to the playoffs.” 

Weil rushed for over 550 yards through the first three games of the season and had rushed for over 50 yards against West Valley before suffering a scary injury that kept him on the ground for a period of time. 

Weil has missed the Hawks’ last two games with a high ankle sprain, and a very obvious void was left in the Hawks’ offense. Lakeland was unable to put points on the board in either of the games Weil missed and have lost three straight games. 

Weil’s anticipated return in the upcoming game against Sandpoint will be critical to the Hawk’s chances in a crucial league game. Regardless of the setback, Weil is willing to persevere and is currently preparing for the final battles at the end of the tunnel. 

“Him not being able to play affected pretty heavily and messed our backfield up since our backs were not 100% ready for all the plays, but Clive did a great job stepping up to the plate against Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls,” said Vanek. 

Weil has recovered moderately quickly since his injury just three weeks ago. Slowly but surely, the LHS coaches have reintroduced Weil into the weight room and practices. 

Similar injuries are often overlooked, considering how often they occur. 

However, Weil has been this team’s hero, and the Hawks have had to balance giving Weil plenty of time to recover but also implementing him back into the offense as soon as possible. After his magical season was put on hold, Weil fought as hard as ever to recover in time for the Hawk’s first league game. 

Weil’s ability to keep training regardless of the pain and uncertainty has been outstanding. He pushed through and rested.

Weil also referees for Lakeland youth football games during most weekends. He is able to give back to kids with the same hopes and dreams of being a star on the high school football team.

Since second grade, Weil has dreamed about being where he is now, and he now has the powerful opportunity to inspire others.