Still pitching in, even off the court

In the halls of Shawano Community High School, Jeff Kammerer is known as a physical education teacher and 20-year faculty member.

When class dismisses, Kammerer is known as hypnotist Jeff Michaels, who has performed in shows across the country for about seven years.

“I really try to separate them,” Kammerer said. The kids know I do this. They ask me to do hypnosis during school, but it is mostly keep it at the door.”

Kammerer played the role of Michaels before 150 students and parents Wednesday at a fundraiser for the Shawano girls basketball youth program. He entertained the crowd through an hourlong show, which included nearly two dozen participants believing they were beauty pageant contestants.

Prior to the show, he told the audience he would not “cause participants any embarrassment” and “it is just a fun show.”

Kammerer has long been attracted to the world of entertainment, serving as a disc jockey and hosting karaoke at area establishments before he saw a hypnotist show nearly a decade ago.

“I happen to be in Gresham, and I saw a hypnotist show and discovered that this is something I wanted to do,” he said.

It took about two years of extensive training to develop his skills, Kammerer said.

Varsity girls basketball coach Ryan Koenig, who has known Kammerer for years, would like to make the show an annual fundraiser for the girls youth basketball program. The proceeds will help offset expenses such as uniforms and travel for the program serving girls in second through eighth grade.

“Next year, we know we can do better,” Koenig said, “and hopefully it will be even bigger next year when we do it.”

Kammerer coached the girls high school varsity from 1995-2002 and 2006-09.

“I have a lot of stock tied into it,” Kammerer said. “It’s fun to come back and help out a little bit. Although you are not on the court, you can still feel like you are helping.”