Published: August 10, 2007 11:36 pm            

CONARD: A terrific basketball player — a better person

Kiser left his mark on Northwestern, USF hoops programs

He was the ultimate competitor, the gentleman assassin who regarded challenge as just another opportunity and success the reward for total dedication and effort. His God-given ability, honed by an insatiable work ethic and a gold-plated attitude, were trademarks that made him one of a kind.

Still, his smile, laughter and boyish emotion were the spoils of what became pure, perfect keepsake thanks in large part to his parents, Robert and Patricia.

But there are times when numbers, success and rewards dwindle to mere trinkets, silent mementos of a treasured past and a jolt to unexpected reality.

Such a shock arrived last week with word that longtime friend John Kiser, one of Northwestern High School’s all-time best athletes; a two-time Kokomo Tribune All-Area basketball performer; the No. 13 all-time Howard County scorer with 1,246 points and the first recruit for the University of South Florida who scored the first point in USF history, had passed away.

It is at this time words become ugly, grey and gruesome and leave us groping and gasping.

It would be miserly to say John always gave 100 percent but only because his personal meter seldom dipped below 110. Opponents knew every encounter would demand every last bead of sweat and intestinal fortitude because, after all, there he was — No. 42, John Kiser — lying in wait.

The game was never about him.

Rather, Tiger teammates like Don Wyant, Greg Fouch, Mark Richardson, Rick Bennett, Larry Yoder, Joe Breisch, Bob Crites, Mike Cook, Dick Smith, Greg Reed, Paul Ferren and coach Bill Keaffaber, and a 1968-69 season that finished 18-3 with a 96-78 sectional loss to Kokomo in which John scored 37 points against the loaded Wildkats. Kokomo coach Carl McNulty remarked: “He was a heck of a player, one of the best in the county and we couldn’t stop him.”

Northwestern beat Peru that year, 71-62, despite 41 points by the Bengal Tigers’ 7-foot, Purdue-bound John Garrett. Kiser outscored eight other Peru players, 30-21.

Granted, John had the audacity to occasionally shoot and miss. But he was the ultimate “golden retriever” who was always there to make quick amends. He scored 44 points and grabbed 25 rebounds (10 offensive) in a 91-86 win over Cass in the 1969-70 campaign.

And yet, this unceasing 6-foot-3 and 180-pound Tiger, who never learned to spell quit and refused to accept it, also had a marvelous human side that — win or lose — endeared him to friend and foe alike.

Keaffaber, who tutored John for three NW seasons and perhaps knew him best, offered: “John had an incredible work ethic. I think he wore out five or six pair of tennis shoes every summer. He had a tremendous attitude, was a natural leader and was constantly working to improve his game.

“I got calls from all kinds of college scouts who came to Kokomo to scout, and most of them left talking about John. He was a great player but an even greater person, and it’s sad to think we’re losing him at the age of 55. I’ll miss him.”

Former NW athletic director Merrill Hoban remembers John as “an outstanding athlete and a great kid whom I would’ve loved to coach.” Ex-Tiger football coach Delbert Kistler offered: “I had him as a sophomore quarterback. He was a great athlete and natural athlete, but it was his determination and self-discipline that made him the great player he was. And he was always so upbeat and positive.”

John and I talked many times in recent months, discussed great times of the past and had our laughs together. We also made tentative plans for this and coming months in regard to athletes. Unfortunately, a few unexpected things cropped up, robbing us of our plans.

Still, we always left each other sunny side up thanks to John’s ever-buoyant and uplifting spirit.

Despite his health dilemma, he and wife Helen orchestrated numerous fundraisers for various causes including Riverview Hospital in Noblesville, the Kidney Foundation and other events and individuals. But that was typical John.

A celebration of life luncheon will be held 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today at Waterfront Restaurant in Cicero which should draw a standing-room only crowd.

There will be endless stories and fond memories of a marvelous human being who gave life his best shot for 20,324 days and played he game the way it was intended. And his smile, warmth and big heart never called that first timeout.

Gene F. Conard may be reached through the Tribune sports department.

        

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