Spring Break
Kurt Weil: Hillsdale's best in recovery
After a devastating injury, Hillsdale's most valuable thrower looks to rebound
Mary Petrides
Issue date: 10/29/09 Section: Sports
Senior Kurt Weil may be the best multiple-event thrower in Hillsdale College history, men's track assistant coach Jeff Forino said.
But Weil injured his knee while lifting during the summer and doesn't know when he will be back. After surgery, things looked pretty grim.
"I was told I wouldn't be able to throw this year," Weil said.
Weil's recovery has progressed faster than he expected, however, and he may be back on the field in the spring.
While most throwers specialize in one or two events, Weil throws shot put and weight indoor and shot put, discus and hammer outdoors.
"I'm the only one who does everything," he said.
In Hillsdale's history, Weil ranks third in indoor shot put, sixth in indoor weight, second in outdoor shot put, third in outdoor discus and fifth in outdoor hammer, Forino said.
"This kid here is possibly the best all-time thrower that we've ever had at this college," he said.
Track and field captain Aaron Falk, a senior, said the team will miss Weil's multiple-event ability most.
"What that really takes away from us is depth," Falk said.
Weil has been working with physical therapist Jake Neukom to heal his injuries and get back in shape. They have used a Russian Electric Muscle Stimulator, which sends electrical impulses directly into the muscle and re-teaches it how to contract, a variety of stretches, biking and strength training.
"With rehab like him, it's basically a 12-hour-a-day job," Neukom said.
Neukom said motivation has not been a problem for Weil.
"With him, it's more pulling back the reins," Neukom said.
Falk said he has been lifting with Weil nearly every day since returning to Hillsdale in August.
"He's really pro-active about his approach to recuperation," Falk said. "He's not waiting for the doctor…he's asking the doctor 'hey, when can I walk?'"
While injured, Weil has attended practice to help freshman and sophomore athletes. Falk said Weil's attitude has made an impression on them.
"He worked hard and tried to stay positive, and he's conveying that to the younger athletes," Falk said.
Weil said he hopes to return for the end of indoor season and all of the outdoor season.
"I'll be throwing discus for sure," he said. "That's the main focus, but everything would be nice."
Of all of Weil's events, discus puts the least strain on knee joints.
"If I had a guess, he will throw discus again," Forino said. "I would never bet against him coming back."
But Weil injured his knee while lifting during the summer and doesn't know when he will be back. After surgery, things looked pretty grim.
"I was told I wouldn't be able to throw this year," Weil said.
Weil's recovery has progressed faster than he expected, however, and he may be back on the field in the spring.
While most throwers specialize in one or two events, Weil throws shot put and weight indoor and shot put, discus and hammer outdoors.
"I'm the only one who does everything," he said.
In Hillsdale's history, Weil ranks third in indoor shot put, sixth in indoor weight, second in outdoor shot put, third in outdoor discus and fifth in outdoor hammer, Forino said.
"This kid here is possibly the best all-time thrower that we've ever had at this college," he said.
Track and field captain Aaron Falk, a senior, said the team will miss Weil's multiple-event ability most.
"What that really takes away from us is depth," Falk said.
Weil has been working with physical therapist Jake Neukom to heal his injuries and get back in shape. They have used a Russian Electric Muscle Stimulator, which sends electrical impulses directly into the muscle and re-teaches it how to contract, a variety of stretches, biking and strength training.
"With rehab like him, it's basically a 12-hour-a-day job," Neukom said.
Neukom said motivation has not been a problem for Weil.
"With him, it's more pulling back the reins," Neukom said.
Falk said he has been lifting with Weil nearly every day since returning to Hillsdale in August.
"He's really pro-active about his approach to recuperation," Falk said. "He's not waiting for the doctor…he's asking the doctor 'hey, when can I walk?'"
While injured, Weil has attended practice to help freshman and sophomore athletes. Falk said Weil's attitude has made an impression on them.
"He worked hard and tried to stay positive, and he's conveying that to the younger athletes," Falk said.
Weil said he hopes to return for the end of indoor season and all of the outdoor season.
"I'll be throwing discus for sure," he said. "That's the main focus, but everything would be nice."
Of all of Weil's events, discus puts the least strain on knee joints.
"If I had a guess, he will throw discus again," Forino said. "I would never bet against him coming back."
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