For the past 56 years, defense for the Lycoming College football team has had one constant - “The Wizard.”
Steve Wiser, who is entering his 52nd year as an assistant coach for the Warriors in 2025, is more than a legend at Lycoming College - as evidenced by the football team's locker room being named after him in 2024. 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 conference titles.
Wiser, who currently serves as the associate 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 352-176-5 (.665) 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 70 shutouts.
The Warriors have picked up 20 all-conference accolades defensively in the past six seasons, with five Warriors also earning all-region honors. Wiser also helped the Warriors earn a spot in the MAC-Centennial Bowl Series in 2018 and 2021, when they became the first MAC team to win a game in the series since 2017.
The Wizard has consistently helped the Warriors adapt and that was in evidence in 2023 when the team started the year 0-5 before winning five of its last six games, finishing tied for second in the Landmark Conference and winning the Cape Charles Bowl, holding a Washington & Lee team averaging more than 30 points entering the bowl game to just 17 in the 20-17 win.
Along with his coaching duties, Wiser organizes the football program’s annual golf outing and ad sales for the gameday program, along with serving the community in a number of service and charity events, including his work every year with Favors Forward's Spring Cleanup.
A 1974 Lycoming graduate, Wiser excelled in wrestling and football, earning elections into the Lycoming College Athletics, Bald Eagle Area High School, West Branch Valley and Centre County Halls of Fame. He also was honored with the 2018 Ray Keyes Award at the Lycoming County Brotherhood Citation Dinner. 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 qualified for 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.
