​

 

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

Although it was fifty years ago, occasionally during the late summer, the smell of freshly mowed grass immediately transport me to the grueling and hard-hitting two-a-day practices of 1969.  I was entering my senior year and facing a future that seemed unlimited.  I was thrilled at being a senior and eagerly awaiting the popularity and privileges that were awaiting us.  I remember thinking, "This is OUR year!"  It was finally OUR turn to rule both on and off the field.  We were "kings," in our minds, at the "Coolest" and "Dopest" high school in all Southwest Ohio and this was our kingdom.

​

Like most of you, I had no idea what the future held.  I was simply thrilled to be a senior and looking forward to having fun, ruling over the underclassmen and being recognized as a "Senior Idol."  Looking back, my senior year was extraordinary - achievements and honors that lead to my induction into the Xenia High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012. (details on Class of 2012 website)

​

As impressive as these accomplishments were, they didn't come with trials, mishaps and major disappointments.  The path to success is seldom a straight one.  Mine was no exception and was marked with its share of twists and turns and do-overs.  I competed tirelessly for the title of Mr. Xenia and lost.  During the annual senior class Mock Government Convention, I ran a spirited campaign for President but also lost.  It might surprise some that basketball was my first love, not football.  I was a two-year basketball letterman but never started a single game.

​

My parents were Mississippi sharecroppers who worked day and night to migrate our family of seven children from the segregated South to Ohio when I was eight.  We struggled financially throughout my high school years.  I worked in the XHS cafeteria to make lunch money.  On weekends, I washed dishes at Central State University and fried burgers at Frisch's.  Although we were financially poor, my parents insisted on a strong work ethic and established a rich family legacy around higher education for upward mobility.

​

I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology/Mathematics from Northwestern University and went on to have a distinguished business career in Computer Software Sales and Management at IBM, Lotus Development, Siemens, Gartner and Akamai Technologies.  I achieved innumerable job promotions including Senior Director and Divisional VP titles.  I've been honored with countless corporate awards along with recognition trips to places I didn't even know existed back in 1969 ---- Maui, Sydney, Zurich, Tokyo, Paris, Cancun, Costa Rica and more.

​

Those are some highlights of my journey but what advice can I briefly offer today's student-athlete?

​

1. First, take some quiet time and compile a list of the current goals and interests you'd like to achieve over the next five year.  Now, prioritize them down to your top three.  Write these on a piece of paper and tape them to a mirror or location you'll see every day.

2. Next step, seek out someone you trust and respect to discuss your list with …. a Mentor.  This is someone you must be willing to approach and ASK to mentor you.  He/She is essentially a trusted advisor who will periodically meet to help "you" create a plan of action for realizing your goals.  Your mentor will both challenge and coach you on your path forward.

3. PERSEVERANCE!  You hear this consistently:  The only failure is not to try or to quit.  I attribute 80% of my success to perseverance and a relentless need to get to the finish line, even if I'm not going to win.  Perseverance is already within you; it's part of our XHS legacy.

​

In closing, I'd also urge you to be supportive and respectful of others.  "Nice guys finish last" is actually a myth so be good to others and I look forward to reading your testimonial in the not too distant future.

​

Stan  Key

XHS  Class of 1970