Eric Weaver, the newly appointed head coach of San Jac baseball, has embarked on a journey to uphold the storied legacy of one of the most successful junior college baseball programs in the country. In an interview, Weaver shared his personal background, goals for the upcoming season, and his long-term vision for the program.
“We’re evaluating everyone right now, but I know we have a good core of sophomores. My goal is to build on what San Jac has done for decades, and hopefully, we keep that success going,” says Weaver.
Weaver’s connection to Texas baseball runs deep. A Deer Park High School graduate, he played junior college baseball at Alvin Community College, competing against San Jac. His coaching career began at Alvin, followed by eight years as an assistant coach at San Jac under Tom Harrington. After a two-year stint at Blinn Junior College, Weaver returned to San Jac, this time as head coach, marking a full-circle moment in his career.
In his first year as head coach, Weaver emphasizes building on the legacy established by legendary coach Wayne Graham in the 1980s. His primary goal is player evaluation, especially during the fall season. With a strong core of returning sophomores, the team’s spring season looks promising, but it’s Weaver’s attention to leadership and teamwork that he believes will drive success.
“Team chemistry is critical. We constantly preach playing for the name on the front of the jersey, not the one on the back. If we play for each other, we’ll have the right culture, and that leads to a winning season,” says Weaver.
The 2024 San Jac baseball team is a mix of returning sophomores, freshmen, and transfers, creating a diverse dynamic that Weaver is excited to harness. Weaver also engages his players in community service activities, believing it helps build camaraderie and teaches valuable life lessons. For example, his team participates in local baseball leagues and special needs games, fostering a deep connection to the community.
Weaver sees fan support as an integral part of the team’s success. He’s committed to fostering a stronger bond between the team and the San Jac community, encouraging fans to attend practices and games.
“The more fans we have, the more our players get behind it, and it creates a better atmosphere,” says Weaver.
Beyond the field, Weaver and his coaching staff actively participate in campus life, introducing themselves to students and faculty to build a sense of belonging and pride in the team. Teamwork is at the heart of Weaver’s coaching strategies. He stresses the importance of collaboration, whether it’s between players or among coaches. Weaver acknowledges that as a first-year head coach, there will be challenges and a learning curve, but he remains confident in his staff’s collective abilities.
“No one coach is more important than the other. We all have ownership in this program,” says Weaver.
The role of his experienced coaching staff helps guide the team.
Weaver’s long-term vision is to compete for a conference title and host a regional tournament. He sets short-term goals to achieve these milestones, believing that focusing on small victories will eventually lead to larger accomplishments.
For Weaver, success is about more than wins and losses. His ultimate goal is to leave a lasting impact on his players, instilling values that extend beyond baseball.
“We tell the players all the time, Baseball can’t be who you are, it’s what you do. I want my players to be remembered for the kind of teammate they were, not for their stats,” says Weaver.
Eric Weaver’s first season as head coach of San Jac baseball is not a bouting winning or losing to him but one of growth and development, both on and off the field.
The Ravens next game is on October 25, at 1 p.m. against John Melvin University in Crawley Louisiana. For more information visit https://sanjacsports.com/sports/baseball/schedule
