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November 3, 2008

Connors coach garners more recognition

By Kenton Brooks

Phoenix Sports Writer



Recognition and honors keep going coach Perry Keith’s way.

The latest for the Connors State baseball coach comes Wednesday night at halftime of the Cowboys’ basketball game with the Oklahoma City junior varsity at Melvin Self Field House.

Not only will Keith be recognized for his induction into the National Junior College Athletic Association Hall of Fame last summer, but it’s also going to be Perry Keith Day across Oklahoma in a proclamation from Gov. Brad Henry.

“Wow, that’s quite a deal for some old country boy from Pryor,” Keith said. “All these are big honors and I guess it gets a little overwhelming. I didn’t throw a pitch, field a groundball or get a hit. All of the players I’ve coached know I love and appreciate them.”

State Rep. Jerry McPeak, D-Warner, will read the proclamation.

“Back when (then-Connors president) Dr. Carl Westbrook was here, we talked about hiring a baseball coach,” McPeak said. “We hired a good young one in Perry. He’s a good teacher. He deserves this recognition.”

Keith has a 1,193-338 record in 24 seasons of coaching Cowboy baseball.

“I’m very happy for Perry and his induction into the Hall of Fame,” Connors athletic director Bill Muse said. “We want to honor him and all of his accomplishments.”

After Wednesday night’s fun ends, a ceremony honoring the 47-year-old Keith will be held Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Connors State Fine Arts Building. Current and former players will attend the event that includes the showing of video from the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.

Keith has no plans to retire any time soon.

“I’m telling our guys this fall that I have as much of a burn in my stomach as I had 25 years ago,” he said. “I love what I’m doing. We have some unfinished business here.”

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