After an undefeated regular football season, Keith Weaver and the Revere Minutemen made their way to the playoffs on a November night at Massillon’s Paul Brown Tiger Stadium where they were to face Hamilton Badin High School. The stadium was packed; red, white and blue rippled throughout the crowd as fans remained hopeful that this time a state trophy would grace the halls of Revere High School. Even the significant size difference between the two teams on the field did not dishearten Revere.

Unfortunately that night, the Rams trumped the speed and agility of the Minutemen, who lost the game and the state title again.

Weaver was inducted into the Revere Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014 as a member of the 1990 football team that went to state. They finished 13-1 on the season, 7-0 in the Suburban League, outscoring their opponents 461-130. Thirteen wins in a season are the most wins in school history and tied for most in the Suburban League. After rushing for 1,001 yards, making 108 tackles, 12 of which were sacks, and earning the title League Defensive Player of the Year in 1990, Weaver’s story did not end with a State Runner’s Up trophy. He would attend Ashland University and go on to set the school record for rushing with 3,943 yards. In fact, football was not Weaver’s only sport at Revere. He earned nine letters in track, wrestling, and football combined. He conditioned for his outstanding rushing records during the track season.

Joseph Pappano, Weaver’s former football coach, discussed what he thought separated Weaver from other players that he has coached in the past.

“His incredible athletic ability and desire to be the best at what he does [separated him from the others]. Weaver was a very coachable kid,” Pappano said.

After receiving a Walter Payton “Sweetness” poster from his 7th grade social studies teacher, Weaver explained what inspired him to play football, track, and wrestling throughout his high school career.

“My parents and really my teammates [were my motivation], [my teammates and I] were friends before we started playing sports. Also, I wanted to feel the sensation of running into the end zone just as Walter Payton was doing in the ‘Sweetness’ poster,” Weaver said.

Revere athletic director Bill Conley voiced his opinion about Weaver being an inductee to the Revere Athletic Hall of Fame two years in a row.

“Being back two times in two years is a lot of travelling, that shows how thankful he is for the community. Not only is Weaver thankful, but he is also very humble. People like him give kids in the community goals,” Conley said.

Much like his teacher Mr. Jenkins, Weaver also has the opportunity to inspire others. Weaver added advice for upcoming student athletes who want to succeed in high school athletics.

“Have fun, enjoy it. Put in the work when others don’t. People who excel put in the extra work,” Weaver said.

Weaver currently owns two restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia: Goodfellas Pizza, Sub and Wings and It’s Greek to Us. He also works for Pepsico as Foodservice Territory Manager, supporting all Pepsi Pour locations. A devoted husband, father of three girls, and entrepreneur, Weaver found success through his own self-motivation and life-experiences.