After all of the allegations surrounding Larry Wittig, Tamaqua Area School Board president, I felt moved to share my story of him with the public.

Larry Wittig has always been a close family friend. His daughter and my brother are the same age so the families have always been in contact with each other. My senior year was stressful applying to colleges and trying to figure out my next step in life. I was considering playing football for some small schools, however I applied to Drexel University for academic reasons.

Sitting at the Stadium Hill Cafe at lunch one day, Larry walked in. My brother who attends Drexel as well mentioned Mr. Wittig was an alumni of Drexel himself.

I took the opportunity to ask him about his experience to help gain an insight into the university. After talking about everything Drexel had to offer, I talked about them not having a football or track team I could join. He then suggested joining the crew team.

Due to not having any experience rowing, I laughed a bit as if it was a joke. However, Wittig was serious. He then extended an invitation to row with him. I accepted and walked into the first practice with confidence. I thought football practices were the hardest out there. I was wrong.

The amount of physical endurance it takes unexplainable. Larry told me that this sport is not for everyone, however I knew this is something that I could use to challenge myself and make myself a better person.

Since the late spring and summer practices with Mr. Wittig, I have enrolled myself in Drexel University and have joined the Drexel Men Varsity Crew Team. I have worked for where I am on the team, however I never would have been given this opportunity without the generosity of Larry Wittig.

Not many men want to see everyone be the best individual person they can as bad as Mr. Wittig. Without Wittig’s instruction and persistence to improve my technique I would have never believed the marks I am achieving today would be possible.

Larry’s selflessness in giving up his time has changed my entire life’s direction and I cannot thank him enough for that.

Matthew Weaver

Tamaqua