Former U.S. Olympic swim coach Frank Keefe has died, leaving behind an illustrious legacy within the Pennsylvania community as well as at Yale University and beyond.
A native of East Haven, Connecticut, Keefe swam collegiately at Villanova University, where he graduated in 1960. He got his coaching start at Philadelphia Country Club, then gained experience at Monsignor Bonner High School, Saint Joseph’s Prep, and Saint Joseph’s University before landing at Suburban in 1966. After a decade at the regional powerhouse, he founded Foxcatcher Swim Club in 1976.
The international success of Keefe’s swimmers early on lent credibility to his coaching style. Carl Robie, a Monsignor Bonner alum, went on to win a gold medal in the 200-meter butterfly at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. Four years later, Suburban standout Tim McKee captured a pair of silver medals at the 1972 Olympics in Munich.
Keefe emerged on to the international scene with stints coaching U.S. teams at the 1975 and 1979 Pan American Games in addition to the 1978 World Championships. At the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, Keefe helped coach the U.S. team as an assistant. He was promoted to head manager for the 1988 Olympics in Seoul.
By 1978, when Keefe arrived at Yale as the head coach of the men’s team, he had already mentored nine Olympians. He took over the women’s program at Yale in 1980, leading the Bulldog women to four undefeated seasons and five Ivy League titles over his three decades in charge. During his time at Yale, he also started Omni Swim Club in New Haven, Connecticut.
In 2001 — while he was still coaching at Yale — the Ivy League named the women’s swimming championship trophy in his honor. A few later, he was inducted into the ASCA Hall of Fame. Keefe worked for ASCA as vice president (1976-78) before transitioning to president (1978-80).
After retiring from Yale in 2010 with a combined total of 488 wins, Keefe stayed active in the local swimming community by helping out programs at Villanova, La Salle, Wesleyan, Swarthmore, and the Shipley School.
Last year, he received the 2022 USA Swimming Award, which recognizes exceptional contributions to the sport and is considered to be the highest honor in swimming.
Swam for Frank at Foxcatcher. We were very poor and found out years later my mom never or very rarely was asked to pay one dime. Used the swimming to get a college education I couldn’t otherwise have afforded. RIP to one of the best. Fond memories indeed…
https://www.donohuefuneralhome.com/obituaries/frank-keefe-sr
Frank was a true friend and an asset to me when I was writing the book on Bob Kiphuth.
Frank was a former competitor in Connecticut high school swimming. We both swam backstroke. And later we contested the waters of the Bridgeport Harbor’s annual 2-mile race. He insisted on swimming the full 2-miles on his back.
Pete Kennedy
What High School did Frank swim for? He went to Mercersburg Academy, and I assume he swam for them but I can’t confirm he swam there.
I swam for Keefe as a kid at Suburban and Foxcatcher before the DuPont craziness. I distinctly remember where I was when he taught us we were competing against Johnny Stopwatch.
I’m one of (tens of?) thousands whose lives Keefe touched, however briefly.
I’ll be celebrating his life this weekend.
Frank was a true gentleman, leader, and innovator that shaped the lives of so many.
Great swim coach, outstanding life coach!
Also swam at Mercersburg Academy as did Mel Stewart. (Although not at the same time!)
From the ‘86 World Championship Team—remember the Ft Lauderdale Jungle Cruise! Frank, Frank, Frank, Frank….
Great Man, caring personality and fantastic example. I will always remember you fondly.