Soccer icon, former SLU coach Keough passes

ST. LOUIS –- Bill McDermott knew the choice of Harry Keough as coach presented a rare opportunity. With it, there was a chance to develop in one of the most valuable ways possible: By learning from an American soccer icon.

Keough was named Saint Louis University's soccer coach before the 1967 season, and McDermott and others understood their program had secured a rare talent. Keough had starred for the St. Louis-based Kutis Club team as a center back during the 1950s, and the squad was known throughout the era as one of the nation's best.

Keough brought experience to his role at SLU. He was one of five players from the Gateway City on the United States team that upset England, 1-0, during the 1950 World Cup in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. From 1949 through 1957, he made 19 appearances for the U.S. national squad, including serving as captain in the 1952 and 1956 Olympics.  

But Keough also brought a style of his own to the game he loved. He was composed on the field, and some who observed him say he saw situations unfold with a more focused eye than most. He was one of the few center backs at the time who played the ball from the backfield rather than kicking it far from competition.

The lesson was among many that made McDermott and his peers more skilled under Keough's guidance.

On Tuesday, McDermott and others who knew Keough dealt with loss. Keough died of natural causes. A postman in St. Louis in his later years, the man some have called "soccer royalty" suffered from Alzheimer's. He was 84.

"We looked forward to playing for Harry, simply for his prowess as a player," said McDermott, who played under Keough from 1967 through 1969. "He brought that experience to Saint Louis U. We as young men just starting our college experience came under his influence. He farmed us as soccer players but as young men as well."

Memories bind those who played under Keough, and his example continues through the lives he touched as a player and coach, father and friend. He is remembered as an intense competitor but also for his charm. He is remembered for his control but also for his compassion.

Those traits helped Keough mold SLU's program into one of the nation's strongest. He led the Billikens to five national championships and a program-record 213 victories before he left after the 1982 season. His tenure included a streak of 45 consecutive triumphs and four national titles (1969, 1970, 1972 and 1973) in five years.

A St. Louis native, Keough continued to be involved with the sport after he retired. He served as an assistant coach for the women's team at Washington University in St. Louis and at times acted as the head of delegation for U.S. Soccer when teams traveled overseas.

Keough is credited as being one of American soccer's best ambassadors, and he was awarded for his contributions. He was enshrined in the National Soccer Hall of Fame, Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame, among other locations.

"Harry is like Stan Musial in St. Louis," said David Lange, a St. Louis soccer historian. "Everybody knows him. He has always been very giving of his time – no questions asked. If you asked Harry to do something, Harry would do it for you. … He was just that kind of guy who unquestionably gave his time to anybody who asked for it.

"Everybody will always remember him, because he was one of the five starters who beat England 1-0. But just countless numbers of people knew him and were touched by him."

As a result, the stories involving Keough live on.

He was accomplished without ego. Keough was known to approach opponents following a match and offer congratulations and advice. He understood the hunger required to become great, and he respected the sport enough to share his knowledge.

"He became an iconic figure, a legendary figure, a beloved man," McDermott said.

He created memories without losing them. Keough was known as a skilled storyteller who captured crowds with his gift of recall. Details of events and matches entertained friends and former players long after scores had been decided.

"He had a gift of telling stories," said Joe Clarke, who played under Keough from 1972 to 1975 and succeeded his former coach at Saint Louis. "So he could just hold an audience, and any of us as soccer players, talking about previous games and what occurred and details leading up to the game."

He became a teacher as well as a coach. More than four decades after he completed his Saint Louis career, McDermott still considers it an honor to have played for the man who produced 28 All-Americans and more than 40 professional soccer players. But McDermott knows the depth of Keough's impact goes beyond the numbers, the upset over England and the golden era of Billikens soccer he helped produce.

"I'd say, consistently," McDermott said, "it was my privilege to play soccer for Harry Keough and get to know him better as a man."

Many others considered it a privilege as well. A chance to learn from one of American soccer's best minds produced lasting memories.