Former Lycoming Hoopster Receives Kidney Transplant

Coach Pat Dieter’s Former Player Donates Kidney

 

BOILING SPRINGS, Pa.—When former Lycoming basketball player, Pat Dieter ’80, became head coach at Boiling Springs High School, he began running summer camps. It was an effective way to keep his kids in shape and scout future prospects. What Dieter didn’t realize was that it was also a good way to meet someone who could save your life.

 

Kevin Roher was one of Dieter’s star players at Boiling Springs. He graduated in 1990 as one of the school’s nine all-time 1,000-point scorers. Later, Roher became an assistant coach under Dieter and even asked Dieter to be the best man in his wedding. Last week, Roher donated a kidney to his former coach.

 

Dieter, who has had kidney disease since he was 7, recently discovered that his worsening condition would require dialysis. When Roher heard about the situation, he quickly contacted the PinnacleHealth transplant program to learn if he could be a donor.

 

“I’m just one of many (players) who’d do this for him,” Roher told The Patriot-News. “He’s one of the warmest-feeling people you’ll ever meet. I remember the first time I met Pat. I pitched a fit (at basketball camp) and he gave me hell.”

 

“I don’t know how I’m going to thank him,” said Dieter, “I’ve been blessed in getting this kidney.”

 

The historically brass tacks coach can return to teaching classes in a few weeks. Ideally, Dieter will be back coaching after that. But some things may change. As Dieter explained, “It’ll probably be hard to yell at Kevin now.”