Community Joins Coach Larry Wiser In Celebration Christening Wiser Field

Photo by Bri Kirkland-Kirkland Photography – Coach Wiser, former players, assistants and folks from throughout the area who were involved in the Bobcat program throughout the years (All photos by Bri Kirkland -Kirkland Photography unless otherwise listed)

A large crowd was on hand Friday (September 1st) night as the newly refurbished field behind Clarion Area High School was christened Wiser Field, in honor of former coach Larry Wiser who was the Clarion Area Bobcats head coach for 31 years and also coached the Central Clarion Wildcats in their first season.

Coach Wiser, a member of both the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association (PSFCA) and the Central Pennsylvania Football Coaches (CPFCA) Halls of Fame, had 233 wins with the Bobcats and another five with the Wildcats. He also had a number of years as an assistant coach, as well as teaching, being an athletic director and more.

Coach Wiser’s last varsity football game on the Clarion Field, was an 8-6 Senior Night victory over A-C Valley, on Friday, October 24th, 2003. The Bobcats moved to CUP’s Memorial Stadium beginning with the 2004 season.

The ceremony was a pregame celebration, before the Wildcats met Port Allegany, in what is the first varsity football game on the field, in just shy of twenty years. The Wildcats delivered a win over Port, in their home opener, the inaugural game on Wiser Field.

Clarion Area Superintendent Dr. Joe Carrico and his staff did a remarkable job getting the field ready and he did a great job coordinating the event.

PA announcer Dave Constantino did a masterful job, keeping things flowing, announcing the various speakers and happenings on the field during the ceremony.

(Following are glimpses of some of the comments made by the speakers.)

First up was Pennsylvania State Representative Donna Oberlander (District 63), a Clarion Area graduate, who shared her love for coach Wiser and her joy in his receiving this honor. She mentioned the fun she had as a student in filming for a number of years for the Bobcats, thanking Coach Wiser for the opportunity.

Todd MacBeth, former teacher, athletic director and principal at Clarion Area, etc., shared some of Coach Wiser’s stats and highlights. He said, “Sounds Great… Wiser Field!”

Mr. MacBeth introduced the family members who were on the field with Coach Wiser for the celebration: daughter Morgan Gates, her husband Ethan and their children (Larry and Annie’s grandchildren) Kenny and Lucas; son Ryan, “The #1 Bobcat Fan for years;” and Annie. He mentioned things being in continuous change with the football program and school… “But there has been one constant Mr. Wiser and his family.”

He closed with a simple, “Thanks, Larry.”

Then it was George White, former assistant coach and coordinator, athletic director, administrator. Mr. White shared his congratulations for Coach Wiser. But said the field should be named for Annie Wiser for her being beside Coach Wiser for the many years he was coaching, mentioning some of the strain coaches wives and families go through.

On a lighter note, he mentioned that Coach Wiser many times, didn’t have his lesson plan for classes, but he always had his football game plan ready.

All of the above shared about Coach Wiser’s commitment to his team, players and coaches, support staff, boosters and community organizations and individuals, and their commitment to Coach Wiser and the program throughout the years. They shared about the special two-way bond, between community and Coach Wiser.

Next, it was time for the Man of The Hour.

Coach Wiser shared various team highlights from throughout the years, game, season, things that I’m sure brought back memories to those involved. He shared about the hard work he and many individuals and businesses put in in installing the lights many years ago (new LED lights have just replaced those). Coach Wiser shared his thanks for the players, their families, coaches, support staff, the workers who refurbished the field, the administrations and others, and above all his family and especially, Annie.

He had his former players come down to the field and led them in the “WHO ARE WE?! BOBCATS! IS ANYONE BETTER?! NO, SIR! DO YOU BELIEVE IT! YESSIR!” cheer which was used in Pep Rallies and after games, win or lose.

And then, the moment everyone was waiting for.

Coach Wiser invited different individuals who have been involved in the program’s success to join the players for the Ribbon Cutting.

Annie was presented with a bouquet and she and Coach Wiser were presented with a special commemorative Golden Scissors display commemorating this fine event.

And with the players also holding the ribbon, Coach Wiser made it official, with hugs flowing liberally between the Coach, Annie and the others.

Coach Wiser had one last official duty as before he left the field. He was named the Wildcats’ Honorary Captain for the Coin Toss Ceremony.

A Meet and Greet for Coach Wiser and Annie was held in the pavilion above the stands, where folks were encouraged to share their memories and thank you’s. And they flowed in both directions.

Congratulations to Coach Wiser, Annie and their family, the players and others who were a part of Coach Wiser’s fine career!! Thanks to all involved in bringing this fine celebration about!!

(Special Thanks to Bri Kirkland-Kirkland Photography for the her great photos!!)