Player Profile – Keith Leinweber (Swat)
A true renaissance man, Keith is a fierce rebounder (with serious hops), a musician and an artist. Learning about the variety and multitude of Keith’s endeavours kinda makes you wonder what you’ve done with your spare time? In his own words, Keith succinctly tells us about his life outside of bball:
“Aside from my day to day graphic design thing, I am working on developing a freelance illustration deal (www.fineweber.com) – my dream job is actually political cartoonist – Brian Gable from the Globe and Mail is my hero.
My other big passion is my band Warless (www.warlessmusic.com). We play shows in and around Vancouver, pretty much strictly playing fundraisers for various causes, or just donating our profits to charity. Playing with Warless allows me to bring together two passions of mine: helping people and playing music. In the year we’ve been together, we’ve played events that have raised anywhere from $75 to $80,000.”
Keith’s appreciation for the deeper meaning in all that he does also translates back onto the court. To him, mastering the fundamentals isn’t just about going through the motions, but really understanding why and how learning proper techniques will make you a better player. Gaining inspiration from former UBC TBird Barry Bevilaqua’s passion and commitment to the game, Keith has a serious respect for the sacrifices of a dedicated coach. Maybe that’s part of what drives Keith to attempt to do so much . . . finding great joy in effort, especially when you have the best of intentions.
Keep your eye out for Keith (and not just when he’s outleaping you for an offensive board), as he has an uncanny way of ending up as the “poster boy” for great events (www.kayakforacure.ca). I have a sneaking suspicion that Keith is exactly the guy who should be running the last leg of the Torch Relay for the Olympics. Writing about him, has actually brought Olympic Charter to mind:
“Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.”
Olympic Charter, Fundamental principles, paragraph 2
Quick & Dirty with Keith
- Most exciting person in pro sports today: Kobe. The Mamba.
- Sport that requires the most athletic talent: I I think it’s called Takraw? It’s like Southeast Asian foot volleyball. Insanity…
- Your guiltiest pleasure: That’s what she said
- Favourite moment in sports history: Sitting in a bar in Halifax watching Phil Mickelson win the masters (yup, golf). I was just so happy to see that guy finally win.
- Toughest guy to guard in the Metro League: Sherlan the man. Not the deadliest scorer, but he plays HARD. And yells a lot.
- Best stat: 10 steals, 20 rebounds, or 4 blocks? 20 boards. That’s a man’s stat – and also the main reason I also play in a co-ed league.
- Favourite Olympic Winter sport: Skeleton. I can’t believe those luge b!tches go feet first.*
*Author retraction: Okay, maybe Keith won’t be the poster boy for the Winter Olympics . . .