Henry Callahan's Killer: Parole Hearing November 14
ahal...@gmail.com
Callahan, regarding the parole of Robert A. Wieghard, the man who
murdered Henry. We were contacted because we play for Darkstar, the
team that Callahan played for when he was in Oregon. I'm posting this
with Jay's permission.
Jay was writing to us to let us know that Robert Wieghard's first
parole meeting is coming up in November (Nov 14, three weeks from
today), and was hoping that our team could write a letter to the parole
board urging them not to release Henry's killer.
This is a really heavy subject to bring up, and I would urge anybody
who wants to write a letter to the CO Parole Board, or discuss the
topic in this forum. Also, please forward the content of this message
to people who knew Henry or played with/against him back in the day,
and give them the opportunity to participate in this process.
I have posted the letter that Jay Callahan sent the Parole Board here:
http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~ahalvers/callahan/CPB%20Callahan.htm
I found very little information regarding Robert Weighard on the
internet, although a google search was...eye opening.
This is a tough subject to bring up in the week beforeNationals, but it
seems to be an important one. We as a sport chose Callahan's name to
honor our college MVPs, and this could be a valuable opportunity to
further and/or give back to that cause.
Write to the parole board here:
Colorado Parole Board
Attention: Chairman
1600 West 24th Street
Pueblo, CO 81003
Re: Robert A. Wieghard, DOC# 457258
Parole Hearing: November 14th, 2005
Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility
rcr...@comcast.net
Thank you for the post about Henry Callahan and his murderer
coming up for parole
soon. I didn't know Henry personally, but had heard tales of the
seminal team from the 80's that he founded, Dark Star. As a co-founder
of another seminal 80's team, the St. Lous Tunas, I could identify with
Henry. When I heard the story of his murder from Ian Hutchinson (now
Ian Hue), I was stunned and saddened. Ian was living in Boulder at the
time and had played disc with Henry, after Henry moved from Eugene to
Boulder. It was such a sad story, to hear of a young ultimate player,
much like one of us, murdered in cold blood in his prime for no reason
but to apparently support a heroin habit.
When you read the attached letter, and I hope you do, you learn that
Henry Callahan was seated on a stool, with both hands up in the air,
100% willing to give the robber what he wanted, when this man coming up
for Parole, Robert Wieghard, still decided to pull the trigger of
a shotgun from an armslength away and murder Henry Callahan execution
style. It was a completely random and senseless murder and Henry was
simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
It is a chilling tale. The name Callahan does live on, since the UPA
named a goal caught in the opponent's endzone by the defense a
"Callahan goal", which is in effect an instant score. Just as quick as
a Callahan goal happens, Henry's life was taken away. Think about it. I
don't even know the guy but I'm going to send a note to the parole
board, upon his brother's request.
You may wish to forward this on to other disc players you know, or
other players who played in Boulder or who played in Eugene, or who
knew Henry. I just finished forwarding it to as many of the players I
could think of that knew or knew of Henry.
Sincerely,
Randy Ricks
#44, Old and in the Way, Boulder/Denver, CO
DikEar
everyone should read this.
Old Tuna
DikEar wrote:
> bump.
>
> everyone should read this.
Let's hope that more people will. It's amazing it's been 23 years since
Hank Callahan was murdered.
R Ricks #44 Old and in the Way
ahal...@gmail.com
we have the attention of a large and influential portion of this board
that's currently focussed on Nationals.
h
Vinnie
J Gray
Joe and Becky Millon provided these articles, which I typed and thought
had been sent to r.s.d in 1999 but don't find them. Maybe it was for
the newsletter. Here you go. Joey
Planting Seeds: Take the Effort to Become a Flying Disc Educator. There
are Plenty of People Just Waiting to Learn.
by Henry Callahan, June, 1980
from "Ultimate Times", a Magazine-Program Guide for the
Great Northwest Ultimate Classic, Eugene, Oregon
Flying disc sports have come of age! More and more people are being
introduced to the variety of creative and challenging disc sports.
Remember the eye opening impact of your first exposure to freestyle or
ultimate. You too can have the same impact on a new generation of disc
enthusiasts.
Individuals and communities are ready for you to share your insights
and knowledge of disc sports. It is now up to you to bring a "disc
awareness" to the various groups seeking information because often
these groups don't know who to turn to for help.
You may be asking, "What can I do and what types of groups desire
information about disc sports?" The best place to start is within
already existing systems. The public education systems and the parks
and recreation systems provide an ideal forum for exposure. Grade
schools, high schools and universities are all receptive to
demonstrations, intramurals, club sports and physical education
classes.
Two years ago a group of Ultimate disc players at the University of
Oregon approached the Club Sport program about receiving affiliate club
status. The players told them about the International Frisbee
Association and its 100,000 members. They told them about the 100
registered West Coast clubs and the 8 Pac-10 universities with teams.
They demonstrated their level of active participation amongst 20-25
students. Today Club Sport Ultimate receives funding, state motor pool
access and campus wide recognition. As new members join, the club
continues into the future. You can do the same with your school.
Schools at all levels love to introduce disc sports in physical
education classes. The Eugene 4J School District lists Ultimate as part
of the curriculum for P.E. classes for the Junior High and High School
students. The accredited P.E. class at the University of Oregon has
grown from a single class a year ago to three classes with a waiting
list of students hoping for a spot. People are into it! If you need
help starting a class, the International Frisbee Association puts out
an outstanding flying disc manual for students and teachers. Contact
them because they want to help.
Schools and parks and recreation summer programs are ideal for
demonstrations and intramural leagues. Kids everywhere love to see
talented athletes open their eyes to the potentials of the disc. An
eight year old approached me at practice the other day and matter of
factly pointed out that we were playing Ultimate and that he and his
friends played every day at recess. It blew me away! All these kids
need is some exposure and organization.
As a disc player, make the effort to become a disc educator in your
community. A little disc experience is all you need. We hold the key to
the door of "disc awareness". I assure you it will be a satisfying,
rewarding and fun experience for yourself and the people you touch.
Discover
by Henry Callahan, June 1981
from "Ultimate Times", The Great Northwest Classic and
the North American Series Meet, Eugene, Oregon
"Play Catch, Invent Games. To fly, flip away backhanded. Flat flip
flies straight. Tilted flip curves - experiment."
These simple instructional guidelines have caught the imagination of
recreationalists worldwide. People from all walks of life just can't
seem to resist the urge to do just that - experiment. We've all seen it
happen. A disc will land at the feet of an elderly lady or young child
in the park. Invariably they pick it up, visually interrogate it and
send it into some sort of flight. Of course, many errant throws have
led to ruder introductions to the disc, yet an inherent curiousity
seems to travel with the disc.
Since their introduction to the public, flying discs have been a source
of joy and excitement for the user and the observer. The informality
implicit in a game that you and your friend just invented cannot be
dismissed. People participating merely for the challenge and pleasure
associated with a disc game is no small wonder.
As the popularity of the disc grows, standardized disc sports evolve
and are met with mixed reactions. Many people feel that standardization
infringes upon the freedom and informality of our developing
recreational pastime. Why try to create a packaged sport out of frisbee
games? However, many others ask, "Why not bring the shared cooperation
and trust of an informal activity into the challenge of a standardized
disc sport?" This is the attitude carried into a competitive event by
the bulk of disc athletes today. Our goal as disc enthusiasts is to
share our desire for continued growth in our sports, yet furthering the
atmosphere of competing WITH one another and not AGAINST one another.
This is paramount to the nature of disc related sports.
Like all sports, the sheer athletic ability and devotion of some
competitors is almost intimidating. Fortunately, there are enough disc
sports to challenge all of us in a variety of ways. From the intense,
focused concentration of a disc golf putt to the explosion of a
distance attempt, the new found thrill is there if you wish. The grace,
style, beauty and dynamics of a perfectly executed freestyle routine
can leave spectators gaping and wondering what they just saw. The
accelerated pace, team dynamics and drama of an Ultimate game are
universally understood and are pleasing to be a part of. Even the
relative docile nature of accuracy competition can spark the interest
of the most casual of observers.
Most importantly, when the opportunity arises to participate in a disc
activity, make the effort to join in the fun, meet new friends and have
a darn good time. Remember, PLAY CATCH - INVENT GAMES - EXPERIMENT!
Henry Callahan
by Gordon Griffin, June 1983
from "Ultimate Times", Solstice Program, Eugene, Oregon
As most of you Western Region Ultimate players probably know by now,
Henry Callahan was shot and killed in a robbery at a restaurant in
Boulder, Colorado, last June. Great is our loss, and great is our
sorrow.
Henry gave all he had to give to Ultimate. he lifted a lot of people
along the way, and because I was one of them, I feel compelled to say a
few words on his behalf.
There is no single thing or person or idea that can change the fact
that we are physical transients destined to wear out on this plane in
one way or another. As we live, though, we create and sustain each
other's spirits for all of time. When people share dreams, laughter,
tears, love, and the inspiration of a common cause, there IS
permanence. Our lives incessantly trickle into one another. In Henry's
case, the trickle was a flood. It was all or none, and that almost
always meant all.
I don't think I'll be telling the Ultimate world anything new if I say
Henry was one of its finest players. Certainly he was one of the most
awesome athletes - his strength, stamina, and explosiveness can be
attested to by almost anyone who has played opposite him.
His physical prowess on the Ultimate field was matched in strength by
his dedication and enthusiasm in the promotion of the sport. His
contribution to the growth of the disc sports are another reflection of
his love for the games and the players. He almost single-handed (sic)
put together the University of Oregon Ultimate Club sport program in
1978. In less than two years, he established a school-sponsored team
with a traveling and playing budget. The Low Flying Ducks (now the Mojo
Flyers) became the largest and most productive branch of the Dark Star
family tree - their appearance enhanced the level of Ultimate
competition in Eugene significantly. After putting Ultimate on campus,
Henry then put it in the classroom. He taught courses in Ultimate (and
other disc sports) during the 1981-82 academic year. By the end of
1981, there were eight teams in the intramural league he helped create.
Today, ultimate is still alive and well at the University of Oregon
largely because of his efforts. His sense of purpose, his pursuit of
excellence, and his devotion to the social ideas of our sport made him
one of its natural spokesmen.
In addition to his accomplishments at the University of Oregon, Henry
was instrumental in the growth of Dark Star Ultimate. After just
missing a bid to defeat the Dark Star and secure a berth at the
(spring) 1979 Western Regionals, a lot of the Low Flying Ducks put on
Dark Star jerseys for the trip south. Henry anchored the line-up ever
since. His stature as a player is almost incomparable, and his field
presence was overwhelming. He was the kind of player who single-handed
(sic) could make things happen, rising to the occasion and making the
big plays again and again. His endurance he owed to conditioning and
running; those of us who were up to hitting the trail with him got a
good idea of what the back of his t-shirts looked like (before they
disappeared). His "participatory zeal" was contagious, no matter what
the forum - you could find yourself struggling to stay up with Henry,
beer and the Blues til dawn, then find yourself hard-pressed to keep up
with him on a long point or hill later that day. He simply couldn't
give less than his all, and we are fortunate that he chose Ultimate as
his athletic outlet.
Speaking a little closer to home, for all of us in Eugene, we feel
blessed that Henry chose to give so fully and freely of himself in
order to light the fire of inspiration within each of us. Henry knew
that we all have to be examples for each other in some way, that we are
sources of life for one another. He was relentless, always reminding
one that we could give a little more, try a little harder and make
oneself a stronger person in the process. Henry did - his life is a
statement that cannot be denied.
It's up to the rest of us now. Dare to press your limits, let the wheel
cover a little more ground, and find a way to tap the Ultimate Spirit
that Henry embodied. It's a good way to stay in touch with a loyal
friend who won't be playing with us anymore.
ahal...@gmail.com
ahal...@gmail.com
helped.
From:
http://www.dailycamera.com/bdc/county_news/article/0,1713,BDC_2423_4239603,00.html
Text:
Wieghard faces jail board
No word yet on whether murderer will be granted parole
By Brittany Anas, Camera Staff Writer
November 15, 2005
CROWLEY - In a prison on Colorado's Eastern Plains, convicted
murderer Robert Wieghard, 50, limped into a quiet room Monday for his
first parole hearing.
Staring at him were eight of his victim's family members.
They'd had more than 20 years to figure out what to say to him - the
man who killed their brother and son, Henry Callahan. The high-profile
murder trial played out on television sets across the state in 1983.
In summer 1982, Wieghard robbed Callahan, a 24-year-old head waiter at
the now-closed Bennigan's tavern in Boulder who had lived in the city
for a few months. Wieghard ordered Callahan to raise his arms in the
air. Then he shot the young waiter in the head from close range.
Until Monday, there was no opportunity for Callahan's family members to
say in court how the crime tore their lives apart.
Wieghard sat in a plastic chair, his back turned to the Callahan family
members, some so close they could have touched Wieghard with an
outstretched arm.
Colorado Department of Corrections officials said the parole board's
ruling could not be made public Monday evening. If granted, Wieghard
could be released in February.
But Pete Maguire, a Boulder County prosecutor who tried Wieghard in
1983, has said it is highly unlikely the convicted murderer would be
set free after his first parole hearing.
During the one-hour hearing Monday, Harold Callahan, of Waukegan, Ill.,
told the parole board that his son's death was not a mistake or a crime
of passion.
"It was an execution," he said.
Wieghard was a 26-year-old heroin addict at the time of the murder.
Before he stole $1,400 from Henry Callahan, Wieghard had used a gun to
steal money from four other restaurants in Colorado Springs.
Now, his dark brown hair is graying near his temples, and he moves his
thin body with a limp. Corrections officials said the injury is from
when Wieghard was stabbed with an ice-pick while in an out-of-state
prison, where he was transferred temporarily.
Monday, Wieghard talked softly and directly to the two members of the
parole board. He told them he was drunk when he murdered Callahan, and
he was robbing Bennigan's because he needed money to fuel a drug
addiction that began at age 13. He kept his answers short, and at times
stuttered, as he recalled the execution-style slaying.
"I cocked it back," Wieghard said, thumbing his finger in the air as if
a gun were in front of him.
Parole vice chairman Curtis Devin, who sat at a table across from
Wieghard, filled in the blank.
"Your finger was on the trigger?" Devin asked.
"Yes," Wieghard said, muttering and adding matter-of-factly: "It's sad,
but it's true."
Siblings remembered Callahan as a charming young man who would cook
dinner for them if, in return, they called him "Chef Boyardee." They
remembered him as an outstanding athlete, who founded an Ultimate
Frisbee club at the University of Oregon.
One by one, Callahan's brothers and sisters took turns talking to
Wieghard's back, sometimes through tears.
"Henry Callahan had many dreams, and they were left on the floor of
that Bennigan's restaurant in 1982," said his sister Shelagh Callahan.
"Robert Wieghard should not be allowed to leave prison to live out his
dreams, where he could return to his life of crime and violence."
Then, when Callahan's mother, Joan Pfau Callahan, cleared her voice to
give the family's final testimony, Wieghard pivoted his body and looked
directly at her, his face blank.
She sat in a motorized wheelchair and read from one of her son's last
handwritten letters.
Then, with tears in her eyes, she looked up and said: "I feel bad for
Wieghard's mother. He was doing robberies and going to jail. Don't let
him out in society."