The RoundHouse | 1/16/2019 12:58:00 PM

Where are they now:
 
Tom Kosich, men's basketball (1983-88)
 
Tom Kosich is one of the godfathers of the charismatic, enthusiastic reserves who fans root for and relate to in a different way from the stars. 
 
He started one game in his four seasons at Wichita State and never averaged more than two points. Fans remember him because of his outgoing personality and changing hairstyles. After his playing days, he hosted Saturday Sports Magazine and the Shocker Locker Room Show on the radio, connecting with fans with his sense of humor and chatty manner.
 
In 1984, a Wichita Eagle-Beacon article chronicled the crowd chanting his name (Ko-Sich, Ko-Sich) near the end of blowout win over Creighton, leading to a foul shot that produced his first point of the season. Kosich described fans congratulating him at red lights and writing letters. He told the reporter he took his phone off the hook at night.
 
"If they don't like you, they don't bother with you," he said in 1984. "It makes you feel good that the people are behind you."
 
Kosich, from Calumet City, Ill., remembers Wichita State's three NCAA Tournament appearances and a trip to the NIT fondly. He also values the people who pushed and encouraged him along the way.
 
"While it was crystal clear to me that I would not make a living in the NBA, what my time at Wichita State allowed me was to (develop) the type of hard work ethic that has really played well for me in life," he said. "(Coach) Gene Smithson, who I played under, and (Coach) Eddie Fogler, who I played under, instilled a certain desire to be successful. I still follow the Shockers and I take a lot of pride in the university." 
 
His message, however, is for student-athletes to take full advantage of the university's resources away from sports. 
 
"There's so many wonderful people at that university and so many wonderful people in that town - work your tail off," he said. "If you're smart, make the right contacts, the right relationships and you have the right work ethic, you're going to ensure yourself of being a success."
 
When Kosich notices the progress of former Shockers on LinkedIn – he mentioned financial advisor Evan Wessel, a recent member of the basketball team – he is pleased to see someone who took sports and education seriously. 
 
"There's a kid who's a winner," Kosich said. "He won in sports. Now he's winning in life."
 
Status update - Kosich is an Information Technology executive who works for CDW Corporation and services the United States Department of Energy to help with cyber-security.
 
"I average usually anywhere from 130-160 flights a year," he said. "I love it and I love helping people with cyber-security. That's a real, real important area for the U.S. Government and our company is very happy to be a partner with and assist the U.S. Department of Energy."
 
Kosich lives in Aspen, Colorado and also has homes in Malibu, Hawaii and Cabo San Lucas. He is rebuilding the Malibu house after the November Woolsey fire. 
 
"We pretty much dance around throughout the year," he said. "With me traveling, it really doesn't matter where I'm at as long as there's an airport."
 
Family - Wife, Lani. Graham (19), Camille (15)
 
Wichita mentors – Kosich said he met Frank Carney, co-founder of Pizza Hut with brother Dan, in 1984 and worked for him during the summers.
 
"He is someone who I always looked upon and thought 'That's the type of guy I want to grow up to be,'" Kosich said. "Both Frank and Dan Carney are all about their great family life, they're hard workers. That's what I always desired to be."
 
Those type of relationships and networking opportunities started his professional career. 
 
"These players, they're superstars for four years," he said. "Wichita is such a unique town. They love their basketball. What the players have to understand is that the party ends. You do not want this to be the highlight of your life."
 
No more games - Kosich's basketball career with an 83-62 loss to DePaul in the 1988 NCAA Tournament in South Bend, Ind. 
 
"I remember taking off my uniform," he said. "I always thought it was sad when the highlight of your life was between the ages of 18-22. I remember leaving South Bend and I was thinking 'You know what, this is just the start of my life.' I knew what I wanted out of life. I wanted to be a successful businessman. I wanted to be a family man."
 
He remains involved with Wichita State, primarily through his friendship with assistant athletic director Brent Kemnitz. He attended last season's home basketball against Cincinnati and traveled to Missouri Valley Conference Tournaments in St. Louis.
 
"I'm very proud of the basketball team and very proud of the job (coach) Gregg Marshall's done," he said. "It's fun coming back and the people continue to be wonderful."
 
Paul Suellentrop covers Wichita State Athletics and the American Athletic Conference for university Strategic Communications. Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.