Followers of Lycoming College football may only know Steve Wiser as the sidelined defensive guru prancing up and down the Warriors bench area dressed in his familiar shorts and pullover. That is totally understandable as since 1977 he has served the college continuously as the team’s defensive coordinator.

Earlier this month a coat and tie crowd filled the Genetti Hotel ballroom to experience Wiser in a much different light as the recipient of the 2018 Lycoming County Brotherhood Alliance Ray Keyes Sports Award. As the 68th honoree of this prestigious award established in 1957, Wiser was well aware of those who had come before him, particularly Bill Byham and Frank Girardi.

“I was very humbled, very excited, and very honored when I was notified about being selected for this award. To follow guys like Frank and Bill, two of my real life heroes and role models was very special to me,” Wiser stressed. “I love athletics and football, and hold many great memories of what these activities have meant to me. I also knew Ray Keyes, so to be named as a recipient of this award which Bill and Frank and so many other outstanding individuals have earned over the years means a lot to me.

“There is no doubt about it. Those two are my role models and two guys that have had major influences in my life. Both Frank and Bill are like second fathers to me. Many times I would go over and talk with Bill about decisions in my life. What can I say about Frank? He put me in the house, got me a job and everything, and has done so much for me. I love them both.”

Wiser graduated from Lycoming College in 1974 and excelled in football and wrestling. He earned selection into the Lycoming College and Bald Eagle Area High School Halls of Fame. At Lycoming, he was a four-year football letterman and was twice named to the Middle Atlantic Conference All-Star teams. He graduated from Lycoming with a degree in political science before attending graduate classes in education at Marywood College, Wilkes College, and Mansfield University. He taught social studies at Williamsport Area High School from 1974 until his retirement in 2006.

Along with his coaching duties, Wiser works to organize the football program’s annual golf outing and ad sales for the game day program, along with serving the community in a number of service and charity events. His energy and positive attitude have created an environment that motivates others to get involved. For the past 15 years, he has led a yearly spring clean-up crew of over 200 student-athletes in Lycoming County that have assisted over 30 families each year that live with a challenging hardship.

He has led countless fundraisers for students, families and non-profit causes. His work with students is inspiring, and his true compassion and unique approach bring out the best in everyone. He has been described as insightful, resourceful and dependable. He has a passion for the community and is a tireless servant for the causes he has served.

“I love the community and helping other people, and I’ve grown to love that involvement. It is really neat to see other people smile,” Wiser stressed with a smile affixed across his own face as he talked. “To get young people to buy into doing those things that help others. I love to see that happen.

“I’ve always told the students I’ve taught, and the players that I have coached to find a profession that will make them happy in life when they hop out of bed every morning. I’ve hopped out of bed for 32 years of teaching and now in my 44th year of coaching looking forward to the task at hand and the people I work with.”

Whether in the classroom or on the football field, Wiser has taken those early lessons learned from his parents, Girardi, Byham, and others to assist those facing life’s difficulties and to challenge young people to escape their comfort zone along their road to adulthood.

“My parents instilled in me the importance of giving back to others. I can remember as a kid; we lived about a block away from the railroad. Every morning my mom would feed individuals, then referred to as ‘hobos,’ with hot coffee and donuts. At first, I didn’t understand why she did it, but I still remember the smiles that came across their faces. Community service and helping people is something I enjoy doing whenever I can.”

During his life’s journey, Wiser reflected there have been four things that have been an honor to be called. “One is Mister, one is Coach, one is Dad, and now I’m fortunate enough to be a grandparent, and I love that. Those things have really felt good.”

He now can also feel good about his selection as a Lycoming County Brotherhood Alliance Ray Keyes Sports Award recipient, a well-deserved honor.