ABILENE, Texas – The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) held its annual All-Star Festival this month, and one of McMurry University's past players and football coaches was granted a distinct honor from the organization.
Steve Keenum 80' was given the Jimmie Keeling Life of Influence Award on June 12 during the FCA Big Country All-Star Football Game – with his family by his side.
The award was established in 2007 as a tribute to Coach Jimmie Keeling, a record-setting coach at Hardin-Simmons University who coached for 21 season and was an active ally and contributor to FCA. One of the award's past winners is legendary McMurry swim coach Bev Ball, who earned the honor in 2017.
"Coach Keenum has been a tremendous influence on our McMurry community," said Vice President for Student Affairs and Intercollegiate Athletics Sam Ferguson. "As an alumnus, a former football coach and administrator, to his work with FCA, Steve has always placed a high priority on adding value to others. He personifies what it means to Develop Champions for Life and it is nice to see him recognized for his influence. We are proud to call him a friend and we celebrate him along with the FCA."
Keenum played offensive line at McMurry University from 1977-80 for Coach Spud Aldridge and was part of four winning seasons as a player. In 1980, Keenum and his team advanced to the NAIA national playoffs and won the TIAA conference championship.
Keenum's successful playing career eventually turned into a coaching career, as he spent 10 seasons as McMurry's head coach from 1995-2004. In 1998 and 1999, Keenum's team had a 15-4 record and finished 12-2 in American Southwest Conference games. He is tied for the third-most wins by a head coach in program history with 36 – matching Coach Aldridge.
His 25-year coaching career at the high school and college ranks eventually led him to the FCA team. He currently serves West Texas as the Multi-Area Director for FCA. He has been involved with the Christ-centered organization since 1974.
Keenum and his wife, Susan '82, have three children: Case, Lauren and Allison. His oldest son, Case, is currently in the National Football League playing as a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. The former Wylie High School great is now a 10-year NFL veteran.
"I love FCA because it was the tool that God used to bring me to salvation in Jesus Christ," Steve Keenum said in his online bio. "I work for FCA because I am called to this ministry and God used my 25 years of coaching to prepare me for the job."
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