Humphrey's Keeley to join Benedictine Athletic Hall of Fame Jan. 24

Submitted by Valley View School District:

Humphrey Middle School supported education teacher Patrick Keeley will be inducted into the Benedictine University Athletic Hall of Fame Jan. 24.

An All-American swimmer who qualified for nationals all four years while pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in social science history, Keeley placed fourth in the country in the 400 yard individual medley during the 1994-95 season. He still holds three individual records and 4 relay records at the Lisle school.

“I’m honored. I’m flattered. I’m humbled,” Keeley said. “I’m proud of my accomplishments.”

Keeley joined the Valley View School District 365U staff in 2004 as a cross categorical teacher at Humphrey after serving as a special education teacher at Plainfield and Oswego high schools for four years. He is currently co-teaching social studies with Justin Ipema and Darren Degroff.

A former Humphrey soccer coach and former high school and age group swimming coach, Keeley says swimming came naturally for him.

“When I was young, I didn’t like to go to swim practice because of the cold water. But as I got older, I started to like it more because of the competition,” he said. “When I got to high school (in the Houston area), I truly became dedicated to the sport. It carried over and really helped make me focus in the classroom as well and built my confidence in both areas in spite of my hearing loss. It carried over after moving back into the Chicagoland area in 1993 and enrolling at what was called Illinois Benedictine College at the time.

“I am truly proud to call myself an Eagle and will never forget the 4 years that was spent there,” he added.

Keeley is only the second Benedictine swimmer to be inducted into the school’s Athletic Department Hall of Fame.