2020 Locals Love Us favorite school coach: Roy Kiser of Burnet High School

Being the head coach of one high school sports program is challenging enough. But, for Roy Kiser, three is the magic number. 
After all, he has three sons — Derek, Drew, and Luke — who all play or played basketball for him at Burnet High School. He also coaches three sports: basketball, golf, and cross country.
With all of his hard work, long hours, and dedication to his student-athletes, it’s no wonder The Picayune Magazine readers and KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune listeners voted him their Locals Love Us favorite school coach. 
“This is a neat surprise,” he said about the honor. “I am really thankful to hear that people appreciate something I might have done for them along the way.” 
Several of his former players have gone on to become coaches, a source of pride for Kiser. He’s equally proud of his former students who are serving their country in the military or as productive members of society. 
“There were a few former players that I saw just this Christmas that are serving in the Navy, in the medical profession, and in the engineering profession,” he said. “What I appreciate about the kids that play basketball for me is that they are tough-minded, and they use that toughness and make a difference in the profession that they have chosen. I'm proud of all of them.”
He said the Locals Love Us award is a "reminder to keep working hard," but his teams' successes are also due to his assistants: Stuart Dixon, A.J. Irwin, Shawn Zito, Rick Gates, Bob Hill, and Paul Lambert.
“I have learned quite a bit from all of them,” he said. 
He also wanted to express gratitude to voters.
“Thank you for having this category because we all need to thank the teacher or coach that made a difference in our lives.”  
jfierro@thepicayune.com