Ozzie is a native of Fargo, N.D. but has spent about his complete life in Idaho. Graduating as an excellent student athlete from Kendrick H.S. Ozzie joined the U.S. Navy, until 1946.
Returning to civilian life, Ozzie entered Idaho and for four years he lettered as an outstanding baseball player. Looking towards a career in coaching, he started at Culdesac and Troy, before taking over at Genesee H.S. in 1956, where he has been for 30 years. During these years, Ozzie has attained many honors as a coach, teacher and administrator. Coaching all sports, he has probably taken more teams to state tournaments than many Idaho coaches. Ozzie has three state titles under his belt, and his teams have always been noted for their great play and sportsmanship.
A strong teacher of discipline and devotion to classroom and home. During the past years, Ozzie has served as Principal at Genesee, still keeping up his basketball coaching duties. Ozzie was also honored in 1971 as the North Idaho Coach of the year. Kanikkeberg and his wife Shirley have nine children and 12 grandchildren. Ozzie's career highlighted by his outstanding character and leadership led to his induction to the Idaho Hall of Fame.