Volunteer community service work puts Keegan over the top

Catholic’s Frana is female honoree

By Steve Williams

Many high school cross country and track runners across the state of Tennessee, throughout the Southeast and even some out West have heard of Knoxville Catholic’s Keegan Smith.

But there is a lot about Keegan that most right here in Knoxville doesn’t know. His bio is full of volunteer community service work he has done throughout his high school career. And it is that part about him that may have solidified his selection as Catholic’s male Student-Athlete of the Year.

Here’s one item that pretty much says it all: During the spring, summer and fall, Smith volunteered his time two to three times a month to provide yard work (mowing and weed-eating, etc.) for an elderly woman who lives 45 minutes from his home.

Another example of his care for others is for over seven years Smith has been involved with the Knoxville Bridge Ministry, which serves meals to about 200 people in downtown Knoxville who are homeless. That includes the Knox Area Rescue Ministries’ outdoor courtyard on the fourth Sunday morning of every month.

One more example of Keegan’s giving ways is he has been instrumental in raising and securing $5,000, which was earmarked and used for inner-city track & field and cross country athletes, who could not afford entry fees and travel costs associated with national competitions.

Smith will be leaving soon to begin his collegiate career at the University of Colorado. Not only does he stand out on the athletic side of the Student-Athlete award, but his performance in the classroom has been outstanding. The Johnny Mauer Scholar-Athlete has a 4.46 GPA.

A sampling of his athletic success includes: fastest 5K time recorded in the USA; only male in USA to be named first team All American at both National Championship meets (NXN and Foot Locker); and he was named the Gatorade Player of the Year three times.

Smith includes being a four-time KIL cross-country champion on his list, too.

Maggie Frana is Catholic’s female Student-Athlete of the Year. She was a starter on this season’s basketball team and a key contributor on the Lady Irish’s state title team in 2023-24.

Frana also received the Sedes Sapientiae Award and earned All-State honors in the shot put and discus events this year. The Sedes Sapientiae Award is the highest honor KCHS confers on its graduating seniors.

“Whether it’s a good day or bad day, she shows up and does the work. We used to not let her dribble the ball and now rely on her as our point guard,” said coaches Travis and Missey Mains in regard to this past season.

Frana will be going to Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina and competing in the field events.