Former Illinois Wesleyan coach Bob Keck dies

Former Illinois Wesleyan track and assistant football coach Bob Keck died Sunday at the age of 81 in Jekyll Island, Ga.

Keck retired from IWU in 1991 after serving 34 years as a professor, academic adviser and coach to hundreds of Titan athletes.

Keck is survived by his wife, Ann, and three children, all Illinois Wesleyan graduates – Julie King; Jeff; and Kathy Larkins.

“This is really sad news for all Titans,” said Illinois Wesleyan athletic director Dennie Bridges, who worked with Keck from 1965-81 and was a player on teams coached by Keck from 1957-61. “Coach Keck, Coach (Jack) Horenberger, Coach (Don) Larson and I had lots of great years together.

“Coach Keck had a positive impact on the lives of so many titan athletes. Our sympathies go out to Ann and their children.”

Current Titan head football coach Norm Eash played as a lineman for Keck from 1971-74 and Keck was an assistant for four seasons (1987-90) when Eash took over the program.

“He was my mentor,” said Eash. “Playing for him was an honor – he was a hard coach and his expectations were very high. But at the same time, he was a very loving and caring coach, academic advisor and person.

“He really helped my develop the style of coaching I use today.”

During his tenure as head of the IWU men’s track program, Keck coached 10 NCAA Division III All-Americans, including national indoor champions Malik Jones, 1990 indoor 55-meter hurdle champion, and Heath Weddle, 1991 indoor high jump champion.

The Illinois Wesleyan indoor track season has the Keck Ecumenical meet named in his honor and, in recent years, “The Coach Bob Keck Scholarship” was established by family, friends, and former IWU athletes of Keck to be awarded to a student holding promising potential for high academic achievement and is well rounded in athletics, campus life, and volunteerism in the community.

Keck was voted National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics District 20 Coach of the Year in track four times and served as an official for the NCAA Division III national track championships. He was the chairman of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin track coaches for 15 years and chaired the NAIA District 20 track coaches for eight years and wrestling coaches for five years.

Details about services will be available later. Condolences may be sent to:

1 Glynn Ave.

Jekyll Island, GA 31527