Coach –

Words cannot properly communicate how grateful I am to have you in my life. When I arrived at Brophy, I did not know a single person. I felt different from my classmates and had a lot of growing to do. From day one, you believed in me. I still remember the practice when you suggested I run down Central instead of running loops at Indian Steele. I was a wide eyed freshman, 2 days into Brophy, with "Ruiz" written on the back of my shirt. That moment marked the beginning of a belief you instilled in me, that if I worked hard, nothing about my background or circumstances could keep me from becoming the best version of myself, and one of the top runners in the state.

You opened doors I did not even know existed. You saw potential in me, supported me like one of your own, and encouraged me to pursue opportunities I never dreamed possible. That belief, that unwavering confidence you had in me, has stayed with me. It has given me the courage to believe I can achieve anything I put my heart and mind to. Because of your commitment to us, your athletes, and the community, I was able to unlock generational opportunities for myself and my family. For that, I am forever grateful for you. Thank you.

Beyond running, you have been a father figure and a role model. You have done so much good for so many people, all quietly, without recognition, simply because it’s the right thing to do. Your selflessness is inspiring and your humility is something I aspire to.

You also taught me, through example, what dependability and hard work look like. You never missed a single practice in my four years at Brophy, despite the demands of your professional and personal life. To this day, I still don’t know how you did it, every practice planned out on an index card, every meet schedule printed with exactly what I needed to do, race strategies, always early, starting and ending on time, coaching some of the best runners in the state in an hour, etc. That consistency, that drive, and that care are the qualities you still live by today. I know I can always count on you, every time.

Thank you, Coach. For everything. Your impact on my life is immeasurable and it does not go unnoticed.
I love you Coach!
Marco Ruiz '13

Some of my favorite memories are with Coach Keahon on those Wednesdays when the distance runners would be doing a repeat 200’s and me in my head thinking that it’ll be a piece of cake. Then as I became a professional athlete I had a few workouts where a recovery day was repeat 200s across the track just like his distance athletes did and I only did about 1/4 or half of the reps and I was dying after that workout. So much kudos to the distance guys.

One of my favorite memories is when I won my first Olympic trials title in 2016 and I just jumped into the stands. In the race I kind of blacked out and I was also just so excited and adrenaline was hitting and Coach Keahon was the first person to greet me in the stands, and I actually didn’t even notice it was him until later. I watched the video of the of the whole race and me jumping in the stands and I saw Coach Keahon pat me on the back and point to where my family was in the stands. Every time I watch that video I get pretty excited to see Coach Keahon there because he was there just to support. he’s a true track fan and he was there to support me. That’s really special to me because he didn’t even coach my event in high school but treated me just like one of his athletes. He just was around and and always kind to us and that’s the kind of guy he is. He wants to see all the athletes he’s around be a successful.

Devon Allen '13 

Honestly, I started running my sophomore year of high school to drop a couple pounds. Thankfully, Coach Keahon was there to tell me and enabled me to pursue much better goals and work harder than ever before! As he promised, with hard work and dedication the rest came naturally. I had exponential growth and success with every season. I got to compete at the highest level and podium at state several times, and I even closed out my senior year with a state title!

Beyond Brophy, Coach Keahon was instrumental in me competing at the D1 level while getting a degree from a prestigious university. More importantly than setting me up to run well Coach helped me take hold of the opportunities that would set me up for life. I can’t express how grateful I am for the way Coach Keahon shaped my future for the better. He was and still is much more than a Coach!

- Hociel Landa '17 

Coach Keahon is a Brophy legend and was instrumental in my development as an athlete and becoming a man. He was there as a supporter from the very beginning when I was a little HS kid wanting to run in college, to supporting me at the Olympic trials and beyond. Always the kindest guy in every room and with the best advice, coach is one of my favorite people on Earth.

One thing people don’t know is I struggled heavily with my decision to quit football and focus on track. I wanted to be just like Devon and play both in college. Coach Keahon pulled me aside one day outside of the training room. He could tell I was having a dilemma mentally about what to do. He told me that day that I had a special gift in track and encouraged me to focus all my energy on the sport. Painting a picture of a world where I had achieved heights in sports only some dream of. That conversation changed my life. I got to compete in the NCAA and get (most of) my college paid for. I got to travel the world, I made lifelong friends, and I became a man in this sport. I even got to become an Italian for a few years lol. Coach Keahon was the spark that led me to the decision to go all in on track, which ultimately changed my life.

You will never find a kinder person who cares more about people. His goal was always to help us realize how special we were and get us to places we never thought we could in life. From meeting you at the track to time you just so he could spend time with you. To taking you to lunch to just catch up on life, coach Keahon is the best. 

I’m extremely grateful coach was put by god in my life. Love you, coach! 

- Bobby Grant '14 

Not everyone is so fortunate to have a coach, mentor, and father figure all in one person as Coach Keahon is to me.

 
He didn’t have to wake up before dawn for months on end to run cross country practices, or spend his weekends standing around at all-day meets. He didn’t have to deal with all of the logistics, injuries, crazy parents, and other stressors that go along with the job. Never mind that he was never paid for his work--he did it, and kept doing it, because he loved it.
 
But what makes Coach Keahon so special isn’t his commitment to the sport. It's his commitment to the hundreds of athletes he's molded over the years. I credit him with fostering my love of running. He pushed me, believed in me, and gave me the confidence to believe in myself. He helped me get to Rice, a school I never could have dreamed of attending otherwise, where I ultimately met my wife and found my calling in engineering.
 
Whether he knows it or not, 18 years later, Coach Keahon is still every bit as impactful in my life as he was when I was on his team.
Thanks for everything, Coach.
Will Firth '11

Coach has been a key part of the growth - athletic, academic and personal- of so many young men. His steadfast leadership and commitment to his runners’ well being is respected by everyone. I am so grateful that he was my teacher at key moments of my life and even more thankful to still call him my friend.” 

Ryan Williams ‘99

Coach, I met you as a freshman at Brophy 25 years ago, and you’ve become one of the most important people in my life. What started on the track became a lifelong blueprint for success. You challenged me, believed in me, and built the plan that helped make so many of our goals a reality. But the real win was everything you taught me along the way. You always shot us straight, gave us the tools to grow, and showed up with a level of loyalty and selflessness that shaped not just runners, but young men. You never asked for credit, but you earned a place in the heart of every athlete lucky enough to be coached by you. I can’t even begin to describe how much I appreciate you and everything you’ve done for me, my family, and the Brophy community as a whole. Thank you for everything.

Charles Hampton ’04

Coach Keahon has had a lasting impact on me—not just as an athlete, but as a person. I still remember that first sweltering summer morning at Granada Park, a scrawny kid showing up to practice with no idea what was ahead. But Coach believed in me from the start, pushing me past my limits and instilling the kind of discipline, resilience, and drive for excellence that shaped every part of my life, not just my running. More than a coach, he was a mentor who cared deeply about the kind of men we were becoming. For me and so many others, he embodied and encouraged the ideal of being Men for Others. Despite his fierce commitment to hard work and results, he never lost his sense of humor—always ready with a deadpan one-liner at a brutal practice or a Magnum P.I. reference at a meet. Some things you just don’t forget: the James Bond ringtone on his phone, his timeless advice to “run like a dumb horse,” and the feeling that he was always in your corner. Coach Keahon helped shape who I am today, and I’ll always be grateful for the lessons, the laughs, and the example he set every single day.

Tommy Williams '11

When I look back on my time as an athlete, a student, and a young man, Coach Keahon’s impact stands out as one of the most meaningful influences in my life. Now, as an adult, I have an even deeper appreciation for just how much time, energy, and heart he poured into every athlete who came through his program.

While no two runners had the exact same experience, I can say with absolute confidence that every one of us walked away changed for the better because of Coach. For me, there are certain moments that shaped not only who I am but also how I see the world. Coach demanded our best—every day. He instilled a sense of discipline and competitiveness, but it was always paired with encouragement and unwavering support, no matter how the race ended. From him, I learned to never give up—a lesson I carry with me in every part of life.

I had the privilege of coaching alongside him for several years after my running days. What I saw behind the scenes was just as powerful as what I experienced on the track. The care and commitment he gives to each athlete is unmatched—it’s clear that coaching isn’t just something he does, it’s who he is.

There’s no way to fully express how grateful I am. On one level, Coach made me a stronger runner. But far more importantly, he helped shape me into a stronger, better person.

Alex Mason '05

Coach Keahon was always ready to meet each of us where we were at to help us reach our full potential on the track while supporting our academic achievements. Thanks to coach I never felt that I had to choose between school and sports and thus was able to succeed at both.

Aaron Redman '01

I had the pleasure of both running for and coaching with Coach Keahon. As a runner, he was a talented coach, pushing me to improve and challenge myself as an athlete. He was supportive to me and the entire team, organizing the annual cross-country retreat, putting together team-building events, and making sure every runner had rides to and from cross country and track meets around the Valley and beyond.

When I returned to Brophy to teach for four years after I graduated from college, I jumped at the opportunity to be an assistant cross country and track coach under Coach Keahon. He was a great boss: supportive, kind, and understanding. I’ll never forget when he advocated for me for a pay issue at Brophy after my second season as assistant cross country coach. When I was willing to forgo my salary as a young, inexperienced employee, he took up my cause without complaint and was able to get me compensated.

I’m grateful to Mike Keahon for his leadership and support of generations of Brophy runners. Brophy was lucky to have him as a coach, and I’m grateful to call him my coach, boss, and friend.

- Matt Williams '07