Gold and Black is a multi-platform media company that covers Purdue athletics like no one else.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/592932
VOLUME 26, ISSUE 2 51 BY ALAN KARPICK AKarpick@GoldandBlack.com G ene Keady isn't about to slow down — even if his 80th birthday is only seven months away. Despite making his home in Myr- tle Beach, S.C., Keady relishes his connections at Purdue and visits as often as he can. The impact Keady has on all that come into contact with him remains very strong. When he was back in town in early October, he was swarmed by friendly alumni and fans during a couple of appearances surrounding the Boilermakers' football game with Minnesota. "It's incredible the love and support he gets from his Purdue family," said wife Kathleen Petrie, who married Keady in 2012. "But it doesn't stop there. Even on the air- plane when we land, the pilots want a picture and an autograph. "When I first experienced that I thought, 'Oh goodness, this guy's important.' When I married him, I really didn't know that much about his basketball life. But everyone is so kind to him and really treat him well. He is still like the Energizer Bunny; he's 79 and would still be coaching basketball (if given the opportunity). He still has it." On the topic of coaching, Keady is clear. Despite being "out of a job" when Steve Lavin was dismissed from St. John's in April after a five- year run, Keady hasn't lost his de- sire to be part of the game he loves. "If someone wants to hire a guy who has been through the wars, I am ready," Keady said. In the meantime, Keady enjoys living in of one of the nation's pre- mier golf communities and having time to visit with friends and for- mer players. Not long ago, Greg Ei- fert and Steve Reid, key players on the Keady's first Big Ten title team in 1984, spent some time with him playing a little golf. "I found out they needed a fourth as Steve and his dad (Duncan) were planning a trip down there," said St. John's After five years as an assistant to Steve Lavin at St. John's, Keady would love to be back on the sidelines again.