| Years at Northeast: | 1981-83 |
| Sports: | Men's Basketball |
| Occupation: | Student-Athlete |
Tim Kesler guided the already tradition-rich hoops squad at then-Northeast Mississippi Junior College to more prosperity with numerous outstanding performances.
The Tigers compiled a regular season overall record of 21-4 during Kesler's inaugural season in the City of Hospitality. That included a solid mark of 11-3 against MACJC North Division competition.
Northeast captured two-game sweeps that year over conference opponents Coahoma Community College, Itawamba Community College, Meridian Community College and Mississippi Delta Community College.
Kesler helped the Tigers capture the Jefferson State (Ala.) Tip Off Tournament championship during November 1981. Northeast defeated both Alexander City State (Ala.) Junior College, which is now known as Central Alabama Community College, and Lurleen B. Wallace (Ala.) Junior College to capture the title.
He pieced together several double-digit outings following the lengthy holiday break. Kesler tallied 18 points in a victory against East Mississippi Community College on January 28, 1982 and notched 17 points two days later during a 99-66 decision versus Mississippi Delta.
The Wheeler native helped the Tigers compile an undefeated month of February. Northeast claimed the MACJC North Division Tournament title at its home venue against rival Northwest Mississippi Community College in a contest that saw Kesler contribute 10 points during a close 42-39 contest.
The Tigers extended their hot streak by capturing the MACJC State Tournament crown. Northeast bested Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in the semifinal round to setup a showdown with Utica Junior College for the championship.
Kesler and his team did not hold a lead against the Bulldogs until 10 minutes remained in the game. The Tigers were able to hold onto their advantage for an 86-78 win versus Utica.
It was the third state championship trophy in program history. Kesler was one of five players to reach double figures for Northeast in the title tilt with 18 points.
Kesler was one of four returning athletes during the following campaign and once again started at point guard. He lifted the Tigers to another 20-win season with appearances at the MACJC State Tournament and NJCAA Region 23 Tournament.
Northeast started slowly with a 5-5 mark at one point. But the Tigers had two straight victories over East Central Community College and East Mississippi prior to the Christmas break to end the semester on a positive note.
Kesler's crew went on to host the regional competition at legendary Bonner Arnold Coliseum. He scored 11 points in the opening round to direct the Tigers to a riveting 112-109 triumph over Delgado (La.) Community College.
He concluded his standout career at Northeast in an 88-80 loss to Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Tigers finished as the runner-up in the MACJC North Division as well during Kesler's final campaign.
Kesler earned the Best Defense Award during his freshman year under the watch of coach Richard Mathis. He was selected to participate in the 1983 MACJC All-Star Game as well.