Home » News » Membership » NSCAA Honor Award Winner and Hall of Famer Harry Keough Dies at 84

NSCAA Honor Award Winner and Hall of Famer Harry Keough Dies at 84

Posted by NSCAA on Feb 8, 2012 in Membership 0 Comments

Bookmark and Share

Harry Keough, an NSCAA Honor Award recipient and NSCAA Hall of Fame member who played on the U.S. soccer team that upset England in the 1950 FIFA World Cup, died Tuesday at the age of 84 at his home in St. Louis.

"Our sport, and the NSCAA, has lost a dear friend." said NSCAA CEO and Executive Director Joe Cummings. "Harry was an inspiration to a generation of players, but even more to the coaches and members of our association."

A name synonymous with soccer in the city of St. Louis and nationally, Keough advanced from the ranks of a top player representing the United States in the World Cup and the Olympics, to the upper echelon in coaching at the collegiate level. In seventeen years as a head coach, sixteen of Keough's teams advanced to the post-season, eight of his teams appeared in the finals and five of his teams were crowned champions.

Keough began his coaching career at Florissant Valley Community College in 1966. His team concluded the year with a 12-2-2 record and was the runner-up of the junior college championship. The following year, Keough moved on to Saint Louis University and began his sixteen year career at the helm of the Billikens. In his first season, with a record of 8-3-2, the rookie Billiken coach notched his first NCAA Championship.  From 1968-1973, Keough's Billiken teams had a combined record of 84-6-8, five championship game appearances and four championships.

Keough retired from his coaching position at Saint Louis University following the 1982 season with a record of 213-50-23 (.784).

Throughout his coaching career, the NSCAA recognized Keough for his accomplishments. In 1973, he was awarded with a NSCAA Letter of Commendation for his success at Saint Louis University. In 1982, Keough was presented with the Honor Award, the highest award bestowed by the NSCAA and in 1996, Keough was inducted into the NSCAA Hall of Fame.

Keough earned 19 appearances for the U.S. national team from 1949 to 1957. At the 1950 World Cup, he wore the captain's armband in the opening match against Spain and helped the U.S. defeat England 1-0, considered by many as one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. Keough's international experience did not end there, as he was selected to compete in the 1954 and 1958 World Cup qualifying rounds and was selected as captain of the U.S. olympic soccer teams for the 1952 and 1956 games. In 1976, he was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame as a player along with the entire 1950 U.S. World Cup team.

Keough is survived by his wife, Alma Flores Keough, daughters Colleen and Peggy and son Ty.

Join the Conversation

NSCAA members log in to comment. Not a member? Learn more today.

THERE ARE 0 COMMENTS
  • No comments yet.
OUR PARTNERS