When you're a 126 pound all-sports athlete, you have to work hard for every success you achieve. That's what Jimmy Keeth did coming out of high school, and that's how this former Louisiana College athlete and coach is best known.
Despite his size, he excelled in all sports at Plain Dealing High School and earned a scholarship to Southwest Junior College in Summit, Mississippi. A year later, as a 143 pound dynamo, he had a football scholarship to Louisiana College.
Keeth lettered three times as a halfback and also earned a letter in track. In 1938, he caught a 75 yard touchdown pass against Delta State University that's described as the longest game-winning reception in the country that season.
He returned to LC in 1947 to serve as head-coach in football, basketball, and baseball for nine years. He was Coach of the Year in the Gulf States Conference in 1948. Keeth coached two football All American players - wide receiver Bernard Callendar, and fullback David Corley.
Many of the athletes Keeth coached still talk of his insistence on hard work, pride in the College, development of individual and team character, and motivational ability.
Keeth's coaching prowess became legendary during a brief, but exceptionally successful, stint at Pineville High School. In 1960, the Rebels became the only football team from Rapides Parish to win a state championship. Keeth's three squads prior to the title team also were outstanding. He coached the state high school football game in 1961.
He received a Distinguished Alumni Award from LC in 1984.
Keeth also is known as an all star sportsman with particular passions for quail dogs and bass fishing.
