Marist graduate,
ND standout doing best juggling act
Nic Weishar has a lot on his plate at the moment.
The 6-foot-5, 246-pound senior tight end is trying to help undefeated Notre Dame remain on a track for a shot at the national championship in college football.
He’s in the final weeks of completing his master’s degree in science and finance.
There’s also WeishFest, the annual music festival fundraiser that’s fast approaching.
How does Weishar, a Marist graduate and one of the most prolific receivers in high school history, manage it all?
By not stressing.
“It’s a pretty special time,” Weishar said. “It’s all about time management. I’ve got a lot of people supporting me.”
Now in its sixth year, WeishFest 2018 takes place Dec. 1 at 115 Bourbon St. in Merrionette Park.
Dispatch and Easton Corbin are two of the six acts who will entertain the crowd, beginning at 5 p.m. Besides the musical entertainment, Nic intends on bringing along at least 30 of his Notre Dame teammates.
It’s an event that grows bigger and better each year. For more information on WeishFest, including tickets, go to
Weishar can’t wait to get the party started.
“Dispatch is a group I grew up listening to,” Nic said. “Easton Corbinis phenomenal. Both are national acts. I’m going to see people I haven’t seen in a while, which is always fun.”
The fact that Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly, in the midst of one of the most remarkable seasons in program history, has given Nic and his teammates the green light to attend the event isn’t lost on the Midlothian resident.
“Notre Dame has been unbelievable about this,” Nic said. “They’ve been pushing it on social media and getting alumni to tweet about it. The coaches have been terrific. Coach Kelly knows what this event means to me and other guys on the team.”
While WeishFest is a fun-filled night, its purpose is near and dear to the hearts of Nic, his brother Danny and parents Jean and Don.
WeishFest is the primary fundraiser for the Andrew Weishar Foundation, established in the memory of Nic’s brother Andrew, who died of cancer in October 2012 at age 21.
The foundation has granted nearly $800,000 to families battling cancer.
One of Andrew’s last wishes to his family before his death was to make sure to pay forward the kindness and generosity he was shown during his three-year battle with the disease.
The Weishars have achieved this.
The foundation has provided financial relief to hundreds of families.
Oftentimes, Nic will visit the families.
He knows firsthand what a warm smile and hug can do for families dealing with the emotional and financial stress of watching a love one battle this dreadful disease.
“That’s the hardest part,” Weishar said. “It’s hard to see kids who are bedridden. I remember how Andrew was at the end of his battle. To be able to put a smile on the family’s faces means a lot.”
Nic and his teammates have given fans of Notre Dame (10-0) plenty to smile about this season. Two of Nic’s three catches this season have resulted in touchdowns.
Of course, he hopes the Irish can win their final two games, Saturday against Syracuse and Nov. 24 against USC.
That likely will put Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff and a chance to play for the national championship Jan. 7.
Not a bad way to cap a college career, which includes being named to the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List and Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.
“This season is going right how we wanted it to,” Nic said. “There’s the excitement of not knowing which bowl game we’re going to be in yet. It’s all pretty awesome.”
Which is a proper way to describe the Weishar family.
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