Liam Wheir, an 11th grader at Mountain View High School in Bend, Oregon, has been making a name for himself on the football field. With nine years of experience, Wheir’s journey began when he decided to join his friends in football rather than soccer. What started as following friends quickly turned into a passion when he discovered his talent for throwing. Since then, his development as a quarterback has been nothing short of impressive.
Wheir thrives on competition and leadership, enjoying the opportunity to guide his team toward success. He believes that while every quarterback needs fundamental traits like arm talent, leadership, and football IQ, greatness comes from resilience and unwavering self-belief. His admiration for NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford reflects his own aspirations, as Wheir is inspired by Stafford’s toughness and his ability to make the complex game of quarterbacking look effortless.
Outside of football, Wheir enjoys lacrosse in the spring, wakesurfing with his family in the summer, and spending time with friends whenever possible. His commitment to improvement extends beyond the field—he has participated in camps where he received guidance from college and NFL coaches, honing his skills in one-on-one competitions. This coming January 3–4, Wheir will compete in the 8th Annual Mike Giovando Quarterback Camp in Phoenix, Arizona, where he’ll continue to sharpen his skills against some of the top talent in the country.
This season, Wheir’s goals are clear: lead his team to a state championship, improve his accuracy and arm strength, and prepare for the 7-on-7 season in the winter. Long-term, he aims to enhance his overall understanding of the game, gain speed and strength, and continue his growth as a player.
His journey hasn’t been without challenges. Wheir has undergone three elbow surgeries, forcing him to relearn how to throw twice at a young age. Rather than letting setbacks define him, he used them as motivation to come back stronger. His mental preparation is a key part of his routine; he meditates for 10–15 minutes before games, visualizes various scenarios on the field, and then pumps himself up with music to strike the perfect balance of focus and energy.
Coach Crum, Wheir’s current coach, has been a significant influence, teaching him not only about football but about life. Wheir credits their relationship for pushing him to be his best every day. His advice to young players is simple yet meaningful: enjoy every moment, because time flies quickly in football.
A memorable moment this season came when Wheir unexpectedly made a lead block for a touchdown during the first home game. Instead of the usual celebration for the running back, the team came to cheer for Wheir, creating a humorous and unforgettable memory.
With his combination of skill, resilience, leadership, and love for the game, Liam Wheir is a quarterback to watch as he continues to grow both on and off the field.