District 4 Sportzwire Spotlight Athlete: Blaise Kissinger
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | SportzWire | September 16, 2026 | Photo courtesy Carrie Miner Yaple
For Southern Columbia senior Blaise Kissinger, sports have always been about more than competition. They have been about family, friendships, hard work and, perhaps most importantly, having fun.
A multi-sport athlete for the Tigers, Kissinger has competed in football, basketball and track, with football and basketball holding a special place in his heart.
“I think the main thing with football was my dad played at Bucknell, I always played catch with my dad,” Kissinger said. “And always had fun playing with my friends.”
That love of football started early. Kissinger played flag football before beginning tackle football in first grade, and he has been playing ever since. His father, Ardie Kissinger, was a wide receiver at Bucknell and has been a constant influence throughout Blaise’s athletic career. Today, Ardie serves as Southern Columbia’s receivers coach.
“My dad is the person I always looked up to,” Blaise said. “He’s been my coach ever since I started. He’s always been a great role model.”
While football has been a family tradition, Kissinger has also developed into a well-rounded athlete. He has played basketball throughout his youth and began competing in track as a freshman. He also tried t-ball and soccer when he was younger, but football and basketball ultimately became the sports that stuck.
A Tiger Through and Through
Kissinger has experienced plenty of success during his time at Southern Columbia.
The Tigers captured District and State championships during his freshman and junior seasons. His freshman season was particularly memorable, as Southern extended its remarkable run to seven consecutive state championships. The Tigers fell short during his sophomore season, but returned to the top during his junior year.
Individually, Kissinger has also earned recognition for his contributions on the football field. Last season he was named a second-team defensive back on The Press Enterprise preseason team and received Southern Columbia's Skilled Player of the Year team award. He was also awarded second-team PHAC DB all-star, PHAC WR honorable mention, second-team news items DB, and daily item honorable mention for WR.
His football experience has included playing both wide receiver and defensive back, positions that allow him to contribute on both sides of the ball.
But some of the most important lessons he has learned haven't necessarily come from statistics or trophies.
During his freshman season, senior wide receiver and defensive back Jake Hoy took Kissinger under his wing.
“I’ve always trained with him since then,” Blaise said.
Hoy, who now plays at Misericordia University, became another important mentor in Kissinger’s development, showing the younger player the value of having someone to learn from and work alongside.
Success Across Three Sports
On the basketball court, Kissinger has helped the Tigers reach the state playoffs each of the past three seasons. Southern finished as District runner-up last season, adding another postseason accomplishment to his high school career.
Track has presented a different challenge. Kissinger has qualified for District competition, but injuries have prevented him from competing in his jumping events over the past few years.
Despite those setbacks, the experience has reinforced the importance of perseverance and staying involved.
His athletic versatility is a reflection of his willingness to compete and his enjoyment of being part of a team.
Excellence in the Classroom
Kissinger's accomplishments extend well beyond athletics.
A distinguished-honor student throughout high school, he carries a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society.
He also makes time to give back to his school and community.
Kissinger helps at his church and volunteers through NHS. He is part of the chain gang for Southern Columbia's junior high and youth football games and participates in the school's Varsity Club, which provides opportunities for students to volunteer throughout the community.
For Kissinger, being involved isn't limited to what happens on Friday nights or during a basketball game.
Life Beyond the Field
When he isn't competing, Kissinger enjoys spending time outdoors. Fishing, running and pickleball are among his favorite activities.
Recently, he also picked up another hobby: golf.
Kissinger and his friends have started the WBS Golf Association on Instagram, where they record themselves playing and having fun on the course.
It's another example of what seems to be a recurring theme throughout Kissinger's athletic career—competition is important, but enjoying the experience and the people around him matters just as much.
Looking Toward the Future
As his high school career winds down, Kissinger already has his sights set on what comes next.
He plans to attend college and study mechanical engineering. He currently has offers from Wilkes University and Lebanon Valley College as he considers where he will continue his education and athletic career.
Whatever path he ultimately chooses, the foundation he has built at Southern Columbia extends well beyond his accomplishments on the field.
From starting football in first grade to competing in three sports, from championship seasons to overcoming injuries, and from maintaining a 4.0 GPA to serving his community, Kissinger has embraced the opportunities that have come his way.
And through it all, his father's influence has remained a constant.
“My dad is the person I always looked up to,” Blaise said.
For a student-athlete who has spent years learning from his coaches, teammates and family, those words may say as much about Blaise Kissinger as any award or championship ever could.
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