Mark Kaiser – Our Nutty Irishman – Belly Flop Champion

Mark Kaiser – Our Nutty Irishman – Belly Flop Champion

7/10/2019

by Brian Coll

So….. reigning champion at the belly flop contest? How did you get in the contest last year?

Yes sir reigning champ!! Last year was actually my second year in the competition, I finished 2^nd in 2016.  As for how I originally got into the competition, I’m a loyal lister to the Preston and Steve Morning show for nearly 20 years now and when they solicit for contestants I simply e-mailed in my responses to their questions and included some photos. After that it’s up to the show to pick who they want.  One of the questions was, “why should we pick you?” I responded, “I would have a pipe and drum band escort me in and I’d “flop” in my kilt!  Guess it worked because I got in.

How do you not fold up when that water is getting closer? 

They key is to let it all out there on field… Umm, I mean water.  I jump like I’m going to dive into the water like I’m in a race, but instead I left my head as the water gets closer so I hit chest/belly first and spread my arms out as wide as I can.  The more body surface that hits the water the louder the smack, the bigger the splash and hopefully the higher the score!!

Let’s tell people to come cheer you on… where and when does this go down?

When: Thursday, July 11th, 6pm – 8pm (doors open at 5, should you want to get your drink on before 6!)

Where: Valley Beach Poolside Club at Valley Forge Casino Resort in King of Prussia.

Restrictions: This is a 21+ ONLY event, so leave the kiddies with a babysitter…

What to Bring: Bring your bathing suit and take a dip in the pool before, during and after the competition!!!

What year did you graduate pw? Was there a most likely to win a belly flop contest section?

I graduate from PW in 2000… I’d have to look back at our year book but I don’t think there was a most likely to repeat at Preston and Steve Belly Flop Champion…  

Besides belly flopping.. what else keeps you busy? I’ve seen you in the Saint Patrick’s Day parade.

I love donating my time to charity and celebrating my Irish heritage (hence my nickname “The Nutty Irishman”)!! I do both through my involvement in The Ancient Order of Hibernians of America.  I’m currently my division’s president (“Yellow Jack” Donohue Division 4 in Hatfield, PA) and Notre Dame Division 1 Parade Committee runs the Conshy St. Patrick’s Day Parade every year.  This past June I was the chairman of our 16^th annual golf outing and raised over $7,000 for our charities. 

I’m also a volunteer coach for my son Noah and Nathan’s sports teams… I coach baseball, football and basketball.  This year Noah’s team won their North Penn Little League AA Championship, I couldn’t haven been more proud of the Hoppers, they had a great run and Joe McCann (PW Class of 2001) did a great job as head coach.

I also play/coach softball for the Bonecrushers in the West Norriton Coed Softball league, you may have heard of them Butch… It’s a team of high school friends, some of their spouse’s, neighborhood friends and others we met though the various leagues we’ve been in. 

Yeah, I heard of that team….. I heard they aren’t doing so good this year! They got an old guy pitching for them. While I have you, anyone you want to thank or say hi to?

I want to first of all thank my family for always supporting me and all my crazy adventures, especially my wife Valerie, sons Noah and Nathan.  I also want to thank the members of the Irish Thunder Pipe and Drum Band who come out and escort me during the competition, especially Mike Brown who’s been there all three years I’ve competed.   

I would love Nutty Irishman nation to take over the pool Thursday Night at the Competition, so if you’re not doing anything come out for a great time and be sure to wear St. Patrick’s Day gear or simply wear green in support!!!

Thanks Mark, best of luck. I hope to get there to cheer you on. Maybe we’ll see some more of the community out there to cheer you on.