Paul's Story

Paul Peter Weber was born April 4, 1920 in Washington, Pennsylvania.  Because his parents died when he was 12 years old, his brother John Weber, Jr. raised him.  He attended Washington High School, Washington, Pennsylvania, where he played football.  Paul received a football scholarship from George Washington University, Washington, D.C.  The Washington Post reported in a 1942 preseason story, “Weber will play the wingback position where his speed can be utilized on reverses and pass plays.”  In a victory over the Kentucky Wildcats, he scored 19 points; and in a 7-0 upset over the Clemson Tigers, he scored the Colonials’ only touchdown, on an interception. 

After his first year at George Washington, Paul joined the Marine Corps, went to Officer’s Candidate School, and was commissioned as a lieutenant.  He was assigned the duty of a squad leader and shipped off to Iwo Jima.  While in combat on the island, he was shot in the chest by a sniper and spent six months on a hospital ship. During his service in the Marines, he received the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. He completed his military service with the rank of Captain. 

After the war, he returned to GWU, where he met his wife, the former Bobbie O’Brien of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  The highlight of Paul’s college career was receiving “honorable mention” All-American as a half-back in 1943.  He also received a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1947.  The Pittsburg Steelers and the Washington Redskins expressed an interest in Paul, but he was looking for something a little more reliable than professional football and began a career in teaching and coaching at Falls Church High School.  He loved working with kids and coaching and he remained at Falls Church until his retirement in 1976.  He was the Athletic Director at the time of his retirement and at that time, with the Fairfax County School Board’s approval, Falls Church Principal, Dr. James Wilson renamed the stadium “The Paul Weber Stadium.”  The Jaguar Boosters Club presented Paul with a plaque and jacket recognizing his 29 years of devoted service to the school. 

After retirement, Coach Weber moved to Naples, Florida where he coached as a volunteer for one of his former Falls Church players. Coaching and working with kids continued to be his passion.  Coach Weber, at 80 years old was so revered; that he was interviewed by Tom Rife, a sports reporter for The Naples Daily News about personally knowing the coaches who were portrayed in the 2000 sports movie Remember the Titans. Coach Weber retired for good in 2001 and died at his home of cardiovascular arrest on January 27, 2006. He was 85. Coach Weber was the epitome of a coach and NVADACA proudly offers a scholarship in his name.