WINONA LAKE – In a career that is nearing 40 years, Grace College men’s basketball coach Jim Kessler’s resumé is quite lengthy. He’s led the Lancers to 722 wins, including the 1992 NAIA Div. II national championship, as well as 10 Crossroads League titles. Under Kessler, a 1970 graduate and former Grace College player himself, the Lancers have won 20 games in a season 17 times and won 30 games in a season three times. Along the way, Kessler was named the NAIA Coach of the Year in 1992, and the NCCAA Coach of the Year in both 1983 and 1992. He’s been inducted into both the NCCAA and Grace College Halls of Fame. Kessler, originally from Missouri, is about to add NAIA Hall of Famer to his list of accomplishments. The NAIA, based in Kansas City, Mo, is set to release the new H.O.F. class today, which includes Kessler. The induction ceremony will take place in Branson, Mo., in March in conjuction with the national tournament. “I think anytime you get something like this, there’s a whole lot of people that contributed to it, I have a lot of people to thank,” said the 66-year-old Kessler, sitting in his office Monday evening. “To be honored by your peers, that’s really humbling. I feel very humble and very fortunate to be selected to the hall of fame by the NAIA.” Established in 1952, the NAIA Hall of Fame recognizes an individual’s service to college athletics, as well as the NAIA and success in the coach’s respective sport. Kessler has held numerous positions within the NAIA, including president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Because of that, he had the opportunity to assist legendary Duke University coach Mike Krzyzewski and the USA men’s national team during a training camp in Colorado. Last year, said Kessler, he spoke at the NABC meeting ... right before Indiana Hoosiers coach Tom Crean. Kessler’s work in the community, and the enrichment of the lives of the young men he’s coached, is considered by many to be his greatest victory. Kessler has organized numerous tournaments to give back to the community, benefitting organizations such as Habitat For Humanity and the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund. “I have known Jim for nearly 45 years. His life has been one long continuity of integrity, humility, outstanding accomplishment and service,” said Grace College President Dr. Bill Katip. “His coaching numbers speak for themselves, but it is the enormous impact Coach Kessler has made on our campus that endears him to us. He is a man of integrity and a role model to countless young men. I am honored to work with him at Grace College, and he is worthy of this recognition in every way.” Recognized for his contributions to the youth in the Warsaw area, Kessler was presented the Pete Thorne Memorial Award in 2005, as well as the NABC Guardians of the Game National Award for Service in 2006. “Jim continues to be a standard of Christian excellence in the arena of athletics,” said Grace College Athletic Director Chad Briscoe. “His leadership and servant-like attitude has been a foundation within our athletic department, and he impacts our campus and the community daily. He is a revered coach of character who is respected by his peers among the collegiate ranks. Jim’s entire coaching career in the NAIA, and his body of work, makes him fully deserving of this award.” Kessler, who is about to enter his 39th season as the head coach of the Lancers, led Grace to 13 wins during his first year. He’s adapted to the changes in the game and been very successful on and off the court. Kessler said he still has the fire and desire to continue coaching and working with young men. “I told one of my assistants, it’s too bad I look like an old codger, because I don’t feel like one,” said Kessler. “I still enjoy this. Every year I sit on the big G (on the court) and I ask myself ‘do I wanna do this again or not?’ And I do, or I wouldn’t be here. You owe it to the players. When you lose your enthusiasm for working with men, then you need to walk. I still enjoy it, that’s why I’m doing it. “I think you always love the game, but basketball has been a platform, a vehicle to serve God and work with young men. I still enjoy it, and I think it’s my calling. Not everyone is able to have a job that’s also their work. The two can be different. Some people work, but their job is to do something else. I’ve been fortunate to do both things at once.”
