March 12, 2012
ATLANTA – Roger Kaiser, Georgia Tech’s first All-America basketball player in 1960 who enjoyed an ultra-successful 30-year coaching career on the collegiate level, has been named to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ 75th Anniversary All-Star Team, the organization announced.
Kaiser, 73, was one of 15 coaches and 60 players named to the team as the organization celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. A consensus All-American at Tech in 1960 whose No. 21 jersey is retired at the Institute, Kaiser coached at NAIA member institutions – West Georgia College and Life University – for 30 years, leading those teams to four NAIA national championships.
Kaiser coached from 1970-90 at West Georgia, which transitioned from NAIA membership to NCAA Division II in 1975 and is now known as the University of West Georgia. He led the Wolves to the NAIA Tournament twice in 1972 and 1974, and guided the team to the 1974 national title. He coached three All-Americans, and six of his players signed with NBA teams.
After 20 years at West Georgia, he moved to Life University in 1990, starting the school’s athletic program and leading the Runnin’ Eagles to eight straight NAIA Tournament appearances from 1993-2000, including national championships in 1997, 1999 and 2000, and a runner-up finish in 1994. He coached 12 All-Americans at Life.
The 75th Anniversary team will be recognized during the NAIA National Championship March 14-20 in Kansas City, Mo.
