George Kiner - Inducted 2024

GEORGE KINER – COACHES AGAINST CANCER

The beginning of South Dakota Coaches Against Cancer started in 1984 when Dr. Charles Woodard, an English professor at SDSU, and John Papendick, one of his students, shared an interest in South Dakota sports stories. Dave Prohl, a friend of Woodard’s, also became involved, and they decided it would be a good idea to publish some someday. The idea was put on hold when Prohl was diagnosed with cancer in 1999. The book “Tall Tales but True” was a product of that original idea. The book sold well, and when Prohl passed away in 2001, his wife, Judy, decided that a foundation to honor Dave should be started. The Funding the Future Foundation was formed, and later, the name was changed to the South Dakota Coaches Against Cancer Foundation.

The goal of the foundation is to provide aid and scholarships to South Dakota students and their families who have been greatly affected by cancer or other major illnesses. Several years ago, they partnered with the South Dakota High School Coaches Association to administer the scholarship program. The foundation has invested $250,000, which is now worth over $330,000. They have provided over $59,000 in scholarships and aid to families with handicapped children. The Foundation contributes to the Sanford Miracle Network, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Stand Up to Cancer Foundation, and the Shriners Hospitals for Children. The Foundation raises money by documenting and selling South Dakota sports history. At present, more than 30 various South Dakota sports history and trivia books have been published and sold to help build the Foundation.