Ponaganset High School Athletic Hall of Fame
Induction Class of 2018
Michael T. Keeling
Athlete
Class of 2004
Soccer, Indoor Track & Field, Outdoor Track & Field
A 2004 graduate of Ponaganset High School, Mike Keeling was a three-sport star competing in all 12 seasons during his high school career. Mike was a tremendous competitor in all aspects of his life, whether it be on the soccer pitch, sprinting on the oval, or in the classroom. At the time of his graduation, Mike had earned the 2004 Ideal Chieftain Award, was Ponaganset’s nomination for the Providence Journal’s Honor Roll award, earned 10 varsity letters, earned All Division honors 11 times (including three in Soccer), and earned Second Team All-State in two seasons. Mike’s Senior year he has the distinction of being a Team Captain and Team MVP in all three seasons, a rare honor for any student-athlete.
Mike was a gifted soccer athlete, one of the few players to be a four-year starter for the boys soccer team in the 24 years the program had existed. Mike responded to the call of leadership in his senior year as a team Captain. He would play anywhere he was needed and could be counted on to rally the team in support of an ever-changing game plan depending on the opponent. His work ethic, on-field hustle, and respect for the uniform he wore were well received by his teammates. Mike distinguished himself by his toughness and hard work, but Michael also earned much respect for the reverence he showed to his opponents and the referees. At the high school level, it takes much courage to lead, and Mike possessed such courage.
Mike’s career as a Track & Field athlete was just as stellar. Mike competed in the Long Jump and Sprints, but excelled at the 300m Dash Indoors and 400m Dash Outdoors. Mike earned multiple All-Division and All-Class honors at those distances and finished his high school track career as the anchor leg of the Ponaganset 4x400m Relay Team, running down Hope High School in the final stretch to earn All-State honors. Upon his graduation Mike held 13 school records, the most of any individual in Ponaganset Track & Field History.
Mike attended Assumption College for two years, were he was a member of the soccer and track & field teams before transferring to Rhode Island College to earn his B.S. in Special Education. Captain Mike Keeling is currently serving our great country as a pilot in the United States Air Force.