John Keesee has been a record-setter all his life, whether it’s been on the basketball court or track as an outstanding athlete at Memphis University School, at Rhodes as one of the all-time great Lynx track and field performers, or as a teacher, coach and administrator at Woodland Presbyterian School.
In athletics the phrase “raise the bar” is used to characterize a mark or performance that establishes a new standard in an athletic endeavor. In 1973 John Keesee “raised the bar” in the 200 and 400 meter dashes to a height that has stood for thirty-one years. Tutored by Coaches Bill Bretherick and Freeman Marr, John ran a 47.4 in the 400 meter dash and 21.6 in the 200 meter dash, school records that still exist today. He was an outstanding long and triple jumper. Along with Carl Hill, John Sleasman and Joe Johnson, John and his teammates ran 3:20.0 in the 1600 meter relay, another school record which still stands today. He was also a member of relay teams which set school records in the 800 meter and sprint medley relays.
A history major at Rhodes, John received the Freeman Marr Award as the Most Valuable Track and Field Athlete in 1972 and 1973. He was member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
As his records in track indicate, John Keesee is truly Rhodes’ all-time best quartermiler. For the sterling performances he exhibited on the track, the work ethic he provided for his coaches and the leadership he provided as captain of the 1972 and 1973 track teams, Rhodes is honored to induct JOHN HOBSON KEESEE into the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame this 10th day of October, 2003.
