QC COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Small, but mighty; Augie's Keany a Viking leader

Sometimes in the world of sports, things that you see in the competitive arena just don't seem to make sense.

It could be a pudgy baseball player who looks more suited for beer-league softball, ripping the seams off the ball no matter what pitch is offered.

How about a short basketball player toiling among the tall timber on the hardwood but dominating a game and proving that he belongs?

Now, figure out this one. A 5-foot-9, 230-pound defensive lineman being a factor in a college football game?

Sound impossible?

Well, it's not if that player is Augustana College senior Hugh Keany.

"He's worked himself in the weight room and has the mentality to be a guy that has earned – he has earned – the right to be on the football field," said Augie coach Steve Bell of Keany. "From a measurable standpoint, he doesn't pass the eye test in terms of what you would anticipate a defensive tackle to look like."

But when it comes to making plays and being a valuable part of the Vikings' defensive front, the former all-conference performer at Notre Dame College prep in Chicago measures up just fine.

"I never really think about it," said Keany of his short stature. "I've been short my whole life, so there really isn't time to think about it.

"Being the fastest I can possibly be or the strongest I can possibly be whether that's in the weight room or working on the field. Height has never really been an issue for me and you can't really change it. God gave me what God gave me."

While Keany may not measure up in the traditional sense, he plays much bigger. In his first year as a full-time starter last year, he finished with 29 tackles, 3.5 tackles for lor loss, 1.5 sacks, a quarterback hurry and a fumble recovery.

He started his final season with the Vikings with six tackles, including three solos (just two shy of his total all last season) in a 30-13 victory over Simpson. He shared a TFL, forced a fumble and blocked a kick.

Overcoming size has never been an issue for the team captain.

"I just work my a** off," he said. "My family has always been about hard work and dedication, so doing what I've been taught to do – whether that's being in the weight room or watching extra film – more than the other guy to succeed."

It's a huge mistake to underestimate Keany's value to the Vikings' defense.

Bell says that Keany, one of this team's vocal leaders, is physically one of the strongest defenders pound-for-pound on the club.

But there is much more to his game than that.

"What he lacks in size he makes up for in strength, quickness and tenacity," said the coach. "His tenacity and desire are unmatched."

So is his approach.

"He's a very intelligent player," said Bell. "He understands the scheme and how he fits into our scheme. He holds others accountable, which I think is enormous. He works so hard and expects others to follow suit."

Keany, a former prep wrestler, admitted that he had mentors on the field who set a good example of the "Augie Way" for him when he first showed up on campus.

"Tim Swaney, Aaron Lopez, Chase Tatum are a few that come to mind right away," he said. "We worked out together and they took me under their wing and showed me the way. They always helped me and I always appreciated that and will have friends for life."

Keany also said that defensive coordinator Dick Maloney and Bell were "my two biggest influences, especially freshman year here," he said, noting they made his transition from high school to college ball a smooth one.

Being a leader comes naturally for Keany – on and off the field. Bell calls him one of the most vocal leaders on the squad that heads to Wheaton for Saturday's game against the 18th-ranked Thunder.

That helps explains why the History Education major is planning on becoming a teacher and football coach after his May graduation.

"I always knew I wanted to be around the game," said the 21-year-old Keany. "After playing, coaching just seemed to be the logical next step."

Another thing that has helped carry him through the rigors is setting a good example for his younger brother. Owen Keany is a 5-11, 190-pound sophomore linebacker for the Vikings.

"My brother has played with me the last two years and you can't beat that at all," said Hugh. "I love the friendships that I've made and I love my coaches.

"I've absolutely loved being here."

sports writer/golf editor