Steve Wiser’s 50th Year With Lycoming Football

This is Coach Wiser's lifeblood. Celebrating life experiences with
these great young men and coaches. More Photos!

Williamsport, PA - One of the most humble legends of the game that I know, Steve Wiser, “The Wizard” has been gracing the soil of Lycoming College and football for 50 years (Student player & coach). Who stays with an institution for that long these days? He has seen nine United States Presidents and five Lycoming College presidents (John G. Detwiler, The Rev. Dr. Harold H. Hutson, The Rev. Dr. Frederick E. Blumer, Dr. James E. Douthat and currently Dr. Kent C. Trachte).

"Wise" as is one of his nicknames, is the Asst. Head Coach/Co-Defensive Coordinator for the Warriors. Defense has always been in his blood and you can credit him as much as anyone for the two appearances to the National Championship games (1990 and 1997). This is not to take away anything from the College Football Hall of Fame coach Frank Girardi.

Look at the Lycoming College Biography of a servant to the young men who wanted the life values taught through the college and Lycoming Football:

This is what the Wizard likes to do! Coach great young men. 

"Steve Wiser, who is entering his 46th year as an assistant coach for the Warriors, is more than a legend at Lycoming College. He was the architect of a defensive corps that changed the fortunes of the football program in the ‘70s before presiding over a damaging defense that has won 15 MAC titles in the last 40 years.

Wiser, who currently serves as the assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator, began his tenure as an assistant coach working with linebackers before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 1977.

Wiser has led the Warriors to the No. 1 national ranking in total defense twice during his tenure (1975, 1983). His teams have also posted nationally-leading numbers in rushing defense (1976, ’82 and ’87) and scoring defense (’99).

During his time at the College, the Warriors have posted a record of 327-149-5 (.685) while garnering 12 NCAA playoff appearances, including two trips to the national title game. His defense topped the MAC 18 times and has posted a total of 66 shutouts.

While focusing on the defensive linemen in 2018, Wiser coached two all-conference selections, as the defense had three all-conference picks and helped pace the team en route to a MAC-Centennial Bowl Series appearance.

The Warriors led the MAC in scoring defense for the third straight year in 2013 (18.3), also topping the league in total defense (304.0), rushing defense (91.4), interceptions (1.6), opponent first downs (15.6), red zone defense (0.692) and turnovers gained (2.3). Wiser also oversaw the development of All-Americans Dwight Hentz and Tanner Troutman, who was named the D3football.com East Region Player of the Year after leading the nation in interceptions.

His defense led the MAC in scoring defense in 2012 (12.4), as the Warriors featured eight all-conference players on the defensive side of the ball and four all-region selections. In addition, Wiser helped mentor his second straight MAC Defensive Player of the Year in Kabongo Bukasa.

In 2011, he helped mentor a brick wall of a defense that helped pace the Warriors, leading the MAC in nearly all defensive categories and finished in the top 10 in the nation in pass efficiency defense, total defense, scoring defense, turnover margin and pass defense. He helped mentor two All-Americans in Ray Bierbach and Anthony Marascio, who became the first MAC Defensive Player of the Year in school history, and six all-conference honorees.
    
Along with his coaching duties, Wiser organizes 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.

A 1974 Lycoming graduate, Wiser excelled in wrestling and football, earning elections into the Lycoming Hall of Fame and the Bald Eagle Area High School Hall of Fame. He earned four letters while playing for the Warriors as a hard-nosed linebacker, earning two All-MAC honors.

As a wrestler, he placed second and third in the conference and earned a trip to the NCAA Small College Championships as a senior. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science before attending graduate classes in education at Marywood College, Wilkes College and Mansfield University.
    
Wiser taught social studies at Williamsport Area High School from 1974 until his retirement in 2006. He resides in Williamsport with his wife, Pam."

"Wise" getting ready for some football. More Photos!

Steve, like all of us will tell you that it hasn't been all roses at Lycoming. Each of us has flaws that we live with and try to overcome. Sometimes, just time will give us wisdom and straighten out our lives. Even institutions have their cultures that are hard to overcome. But this being said, looking back over these many years, any flaws have been used for a pathway to great things. Amazing how God works isn't it? All has turned out for the better for Lycoming College and Lycoming College football. We can't say enough about this man, Steve Wiser.

Steve Wiser at the Coach Frank Girardi "College Football Hall
Of Fame" induction. Longtime assistant coach Robb Curry
at the right. More Photos!

On Sunday, October 27th at 1:00pm Steve will be inducted into the Center County Hall of Fame at Penn State University. This is just the beginning of the accolades that will come Wiser's way in the coming years. And he will tell you that he just loves football and they young men that he has mentored. I'm sure he will tells you that he has received more than he has given.

When I ask him in a recent text message if this was his 50th year, his reply was

"Yes, long time. Still love Blue and Gold and players. Still fun!"

Long live your dream of coaching Lycoming football Coach Wiser! Best wished and "God Bless!"

From a big fan!

Fondest regards,

John Green '77
My 24 year of following Lycoming Football.

~ ~ ~

(c) Copyright Notice: 

Photos and articles are for personal use only (Warrior Family and Friends).
All other uses by written consent only.

NOTE: The opinions and content on www.LycomingFootball.com in no way is a reflection of Lycoming College. This site, www.LycomingFootball.com is an unofficial fan site owned and operated by Williamsport OnLine and editor John Green. Please relay any questions and comments to John Green at the "Contact Us" notice on the right sidebar.