Los Angeles Times

Before heading to the showers, the victorious Los Gatos High team members head toward an end zone and take a knee before Charlie Wedemeyer, the most famous coach in the school's history.

The players form a semicircle around the side of Wedemeyer's van, which is parked in its usual spot just behind the goal post. They wait to hear his observations and words of encouragement, even though he is no longer the varsity coach but an unofficial consultant for the freshman-sophomore team.

Not one of them has ever heard his voice.

Wedemeyer cannot speak, nor can he move. He is confined to a wheelchair and communicates to his wife, Lucy, through a language of blinks, eyebrow raises and cheek twitches. She then relays the message to the team.