Biography

Mr. Weidlich was drawn to California when the lacrosse coach at Whittier College called him at his boarding school in Connecticut during a snowstorm and mentioned sunshine, palm trees and the ocean. He graduated from Whittier with a bachelor’s degree in English and spent five years teaching special education before he found Ojai Valley School in 2003. The opportunity to teach literature and coach was the perfect match. Mr. Weidlich teaches English 9 and English 12. Outside the classroom, he coaches boys basketball, golf, and next spring will add girls lacrosse.

Most memorable moment as a lacrosse coach

The season that we had 10 players — for a game that requires 10 players. We had some success, but really it was more about the unity, trusting and relying on each other to get through the season with so few resources. It was a pretty special experience.

One thing students don’t know about me

I went to boarding school in Connecticut, so I understand their experience. I played lacrosse there too.

Favorite book

East of Eden by John Steinbeck. Not only for the style, the storytelling, the originality, the characters and the challenging and difficult subject matter, but also because it was written with beauty and grace.

Favorite thing about OVS students

The incredible amount of support they give each other to cross over into other areas of school life — athletes in musical performances, students creating clubs or trying new sports. The school community really embraces and encourages you to go and try things you wouldn’t normally try. The doors are open to all students who want to open them.