Jeff Keck, Assistant Coach for Diving
Jeff Keck returned to Syracuse University in 2005-06 as assistant coach for diving. He previously held the position at SU from 1982-2004, but retired at the same time he announced his retirement from a 33-year teaching position at nearby Henninger High School.
His departure from collegiate coaching proved to be short-lived and even though he did not serve as the Orange diving coach during the 2004-05 season, he was still present at every home meet. Keck will come out of retirement this year to replace Chris Waters and return to the job that he held for more than two decades.
A former Syracuse diver himself, Keck coaches and recruits SU divers.
He received his bachelor's degree in history from SU in 1970 and served as a graduate assistant coach until he completed his master's degree in physical education in 1972.
Keck coached Samantha Linke to NCAA appearances in 1997 and 1998. In 2001, he guided Julie Van Deusen to a seventh-place finish (out of 35 divers) on the three-meter board at the NCAA Zone 'A' Diving Championship at Navy.
Sara Mastropole, a pupil of Keck's from 1998-2001, graduated as a three-time Academic All-American.
In 2003, Keck helped guide three Orange men (Rick Rodriguez, Dewey Schultz and Tony Campagna) to the NCAA Zone Diving Meet at the University of Buffalo. It was the first time since Brad Ripps qualified in 1995-96 that SU sent a male diver to the zone meet.
Keck taught physical education and coached golf and lacrosse at Henninger High School in Syracuse for 26 years.
He and his wife of 35 years, Sandra, have three children, Danielle, Sean and Marni.
