May 12, 2017
As Vanderbilt competes in the SEC Outdoor Track and Field Championships this week at the University of South Carolina, the Commodores aren’t simply running and jumping for individual or team accolades. They are also competing for head track and field coach Steve Keith.
Keith, a Vanderbilt cross country letter winner from 1977-81 who returned to coach his alma mater in 2006, did not make the trip with Vanderbilt as he is undergoing treatment for leukemia. In support of Keith, the Commodores have worn orange wristbands during competition this week to promote leukemia awareness.
Associate head coach Clark Humphreys spoke about the significance of the wristbands and what it means to the team to wear them. “Wearing the wristbands gives us a reminder to emulate Coach Keith’s constant spirit and work ethic. Most people don’t even realize he’s sick because of how he carries himself and always fights on. That’s exactly what we want to do this weekend, as both coaches and players – carry on and do our jobs to the best of our abilities.”
Vanderbilt hopes to see Keith back on the sidelines very soon following its trip to the SEC Championships. But for now, much like the SEC’s mantra “It Just Means More,” the Commodores’ trip to Columbia, S.C. has meant much more as their thoughts remain in Nashville with their longtime head coach.
Freshman pole vaulter Caleigh Lofstead noted how the team uses the wristband to always keep Keith in their thoughts, while also using it as motivation to leave everything they have on the track this weekend. “Wearing the wristband to me serves as a reminder of Coach Keith and how we all wish he could be here. We’re looking forward to him coming back and having a speedy recovery. It’s just a reminder that there are bigger things out there than our meets and we’re competing for him this weekend.”
