West Region
Tim Kish has experienced the game of football as a player, coach, and now as president of the NFF
Southern Arizona Chapter, where he continues to give back to the sport.
Growing up in Ohio, Kish's love of football began early. He played at Westerville High School before continuing his career at nearby Otterbein University, where he suited up for the Cardinals. He later earned a master's degree from Bowling Green and went on to a 41-year college coaching career that included stops at Army, Arizona, Indiana, Illinois, Northwestern, Purdue and Oklahoma.
After retiring to Tucson, Arizona, Kish joined the
Southern Arizona Chapter in 2021 and was elected president in 2022. Under his leadership, the chapter has been revitalized, expanding opportunities for local student-athletes.
"Due to the unusual distance between high schools in our region, we pivoted in 2023 to go directly to the schools to present our scholar-athlete awards to both male and female players," said Kish. "We help sponsor 7-on-7 tournaments for boys' and girls' teams, host coaches' clinics for youth and high school coaches, and we have been supporters of 'The Finest Four,' a national kicking competition for junior high and high school athletes."
In February 2023, the chapter also introduced the first-ever High School Senior Showcase in the state of Arizona, creating new pathways for graduating seniors to continue their playing careers. Kish has been the driving force behind a growing team of volunteers, energizing the chapter with his vision and commitment.
"Our chapter has provided me with the opportunity to give back to the youth and future leaders of America," said Kish.
Away from football, Kish is an avid morel mushroom hunter and a passionate collector of Native American artifacts.
He and his wife, Angela, are the proud parents of three children—Megan (and her husband, Stephen), Emily, and Michael—and grandparents to their twin granddaughters, Naomi and Ivy.
