COLLEGES: Ex-Aztec star Goetz dies at 50
By DAVID BIDERMAN - Staff Writer | ∞
Kim Goetz, a former San Diego State men's basketball player and special education teacher at San Pasqual High, passed away from an apparent heart attack on Monday night, according to his brother, Kevin Goetz. He was 50.
An autopsy is pending on the official cause of death.
His wife, Annette, and daughter, Stephanie, found Goetz on the floor at his home several hours after he played tennis at Rancho Bernardo Swim and Tennis Club. Kim Goetz told his playing partner he was feeling numbness in his arm while they were playing, said Kevin Goetz.
Goetz, known as "The Long Ranger" at San Diego State for his long-distance shots, played for the Aztecs from 1977-79 after transferring from the College of Southern Idaho. He averaged 20.5 points per game and shot 90.2 percent from the free-throw line during his final season in 1978-79.
In 1979, the New York Knicks selected Goetz in the second round of the NBA draft with the 34th overall pick. He was inducted into the Aztec Hall of Fame in December 2006.
"My memories of him were us growing up and playing basketball together back in Idaho in the patio outside of our house," said Kevin Goetz, Kim's brother. "I'm going to miss him and so are all of the friends he's made out here."
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Stuart wrote on Mar 19, 2008 5:58 PM:You were too young. Great colorful Aztec of my era. We'll miss you.
Bob wrote on Mar 20, 2008 8:16 AM:Sympathy and prayers to Kim's family. I grew up in Pullman, across the border from Moscow, watching Kim and his brothers dominate the basketball scene in Idaho. I can only imagine what records Kim would hold if he played with the 3-point shot. Laureen, my wife, grew up next door to Kim, listening to the dribble of basketballs at all hours of the night...
God Bless...
Tim wrote on Mar 20, 2008 10:35 AM:I grew up in Moscow at the time Kim was weaving his magic at Moscow High. What a tremendous player. Not only that, he was a great guy, kind of shy, didn't have any ego problems. Just a really good guy and a fine ball player, comes from a great family. Very sad news.
Scott wrote on Mar 20, 2008 1:00 PM:Kim was my best friend growing up. It makes me sad to know he's not with us anymore. My condolences to his family, especially Annette and Stephanie.
Jim A. wrote on Mar 21, 2008 3:14 PM:I would like to express my condolences and prayers to Kim Goetz family for there heartbreaking loss. I attended SDSU about the same time Kim was there. I never knew him personally or talked to him but boy he could sure shoot the lights out with a basketball! He was as smooth like a fine bottle of champagne but never the hotdog or showboat like many athletes you see today. I still remember how he looked with the shoulder long black hair and mustache the way a lot of us including myself looked in the 70's. I was happy to read that Kim was a special education teacher at San Pasqual High. I know he changed many young people lives for the better. It's hard to think that both Kim and his former teammate Steve Malovic have passed away less than a year from each other. However, the memories they leave us will remain for a long time.
Denise M. wrote on Mar 22, 2008 1:00 PM:I am just numb after the loss of Kim as well as his friend Tom K. just weeks ago I atteded Jr-HS with both guys-I have many great memories. I am very sad. I am thrilled that Kim taught sp.ed. I remember how I enjoyed watching him play b-ball. Seems like yesterday.Heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends
Kathy wrote on Mar 24, 2008 6:07 PM:I work at San Pasqual High School with Kim. I work with severely handicapped kids and when we would come by his classroom with his paper he would always give our kids a treat. He always made our kids feel special. We at San Pasqual will miss him dearly as will his students. He was loved by us all.
Steph wrote on Mar 24, 2008 7:51 PM:Mr. Goetz was my teacher in the 9th grade and this year and I never exspected anthing like this to happen, It's shocking because he was so healthy and it doesn't make any sence at the age and the health condition. I'm sorry about his close friends and family.
Eddie wrote on Mar 24, 2008 8:45 PM:you were the best teacher and you believed in me when i dident so thank you and i will always remember you
Darren wrote on Mar 25, 2008 4:26 PM:They called him Reece. Having grown up in Northern Idaho with a brother who played American legion baseball with Kim Goetz, I cannot begin to tell you how much he meant to people around Moscow. He possessed a smooth shot, but even more-so a great spirit. He will be missed, but he lives on in the memories of the likes of me. Take care, Reece. My love goes with the family.
Emily wrote on Mar 25, 2008 9:16 PM:I'm a special ed. student and Mr. Goetz was one of my favorite teachers at San Pasqual High School. Every time I had a problem on a test, homework, or any other difficulty that was going on in class, Mr. Goetz was always there to help me. I will miss him very much. I promise that I will do my very best to succeed in my studies for the rest of my high school years and make you proud of me. May you rest in peace Mr. Goetz. God bless you and your family.
Chris wrote on Mar 26, 2008 5:19 PM:I want to express my condolences to the Goetz family. I'm a big fan of College of Southern Idaho (CSI) where Kim was a dominate force. Kim played for CSI from 1975 to 1977, earned first team NJCAA All-American honors in 1977. He led the Golden Eagles to their first national championship in 1977 under former head coach Boyd Grant. I never knew him, but it sounds like he really made an impact in the world.
Steve wrote on Apr 7, 2008 8:25 AM:Kim Goetz and I played basketball against each other in high school--we were archrivals (Pullman Greyhounds vs. Moscow Bears) and those games against that team were some of my fondest memories from high school. Kim was an outstanding basketball player and as a fellow educator I can understand the loss his death brings to San Pasqual High School and the San Diego community. I send my heartfelt condolences to Kim's wife and daughter and to his immediate family. One of my older brothers called me within days of the news of his death and I was shocked by that news. I wish I would have been able to know Kim later in his life.
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