Over the years, you interact with a variety of people—some simply cross your path, others leave a meaningful mark along the way, but others still conduct their lives in a way that is truly impactful and enduring.
Kevin Keating was an impact-maker, an individual who promoted old-school values and embodied the best kind of tradition. As a teacher and a coach, he demanded respect, and he returned that respect to those entrusted to his care. He was straightforward and authentic in his desire to reach and then mold young people. Countless students were the beneficiaries of his real-life concern.
As a fellow teacher, Kevin and I interacted on numerous occasions, and, like others who knew him, there was a palpable connection. On more than one occasion, he told me that my own Uncle Ray, another legendary figure in Pottsville’s history, was next to his own father, the second most influential person during his formative years. Following Uncle Ray's example, Kevin was utterly committed to the celebrated traditions of our great school. If Ray DiCello helped to originate and popularize many of the ideals we hold dear, Kevin Keating faithfully maintained and cultivated the best elements and governing impulses of a proud community,
It is easy to picture him in different spheres—walking through the halls of the Castle on the Hill, communicating with the young people who sat in his classroom, gathering together the members of his team. His presence was commanding, and his relentless commitment to those whose lives intersected his own was infectious and morale building.
There was the everyday camaraderie between students and teachers, which set the tone, and there were the weekly pep rallies in the fall. In all of these, Kevin's presence was instrumental. Indeed, I recall the day of the state championship, which included one of the most rousing gatherings in Pottsville’s fabled history.
My oldest, who was but a middle school student at the time, accompanied me that day, and the environment was exhilarating. By the time Coach Keating took the stage, there was a near frenzy of excitement as we prepared for the big game later that night. The roof threatened to explode, and the walls seemed ready to crumble as school spirit reached a fever pitch. Amid the throng of students, it was electric when Coach Keating stepped to the microphone. It was truly one of the most memorable days of my career, and the point man and chief motivator was Kevin Keating.
Oh, how precious are the memories of those glorious days.
There are many other reminiscences, from the casual exchange of pleasantries in the hallways ("Hey, Carm," "Hi, Kev"), the years we shared a morning duty before homeroom just outside of Joe Reichert’s room (for some reason, I remember conversing about the final episode of Seinfeld that was airing later that evening), the exceptional blessing of interacting with him and the team while taking my daily jog around the Pottsville track as the football team prepared for late season playoff games (he called me into the team huddle one day), and the occasional discussions about my uncle and the influence he felt compelled to share.
One day, the very last day of the school year, I was once again running around the track when I crossed paths with Kevin, who was also out for a run. We were jogging together on the far side of the stadium when he blurted out these words: “It’s the best day of the year!” Though, in one sense, it was a comical reference to our excitement that summer had finally arrived, I think it was also more. For Kevin, I think it referred to the thrill of a wonderful time of rest and freedom that awaited us that final day of school, and the recognition that the thrill of summer was never greater than that first day when the entirety of time away was before us. Similarly, I’m convinced that those who are believers enter into a rest and a freedom that began yesterday for Kevin, one that holds the promise not only of being lengthy but endless perfection. If Kevin left this world trusting in the Savior, then his “today” was not only the best day of the year for him, but the first day of unending days of bliss, purpose, restoration, completeness, vigor, and joy in the presence of God.
Kevin Keating now joins the assembly of those who came before—Bill Flynn, Ray DiCello, Terry Case, Rita Ryan, John Norton, Jim Steidle, Helen Dietrich, Bill Houtz, and others—whose varied skills and selfless determination contributed to the flourishing of countless young people. Their influence still echoes through the hallways they once walked and reverberates in the lives of those honored to have known them.
May the good Lord comfort all of Kevin's loved ones, providing strength, encouragement, wonderful memories, lessons learned, and a sense of genuine hope.
Thank you, Kev, for your allegiance to the values we hold dear, your commitment to the young men and women who came your way, and for always manifesting the spirit of authenticity.
Roll Tide, my friend, Roll Tide!