Reporter: Jack Woodcock
Date: January 25, 2025
Marian University’s track and field program is not just a team but a family—a sentiment that resonates deeply with Markevious Keys, a dedicated thrower and standout student-athlete. His journey to Marian, experiences on the team, and aspirations both on and off the field paint a picture of resilience, camaraderie, and ambition.
Keys’ decision to attend Marian University was driven by a desire for a close-knit community. “I’ve always wanted to attend a smaller, close-knit school,” Keys said. Marian’s supportive environment and strong academic programs stood out among other options. As for track and field, the choice wasn’t immediate. “It was a toss-up,” Keys said. In high school, he excelled in three sports but found himself drawn to the throws program at Marian. Despite initially being denied a walk-on spot, his persistence paid off. “I was brought on two months before my first semester,” Keys said.
For Keys, the off-season training is more than just preparation; it’s an opportunity to witness transformation. “Seeing how everyone grows is my favorite part,” Keys said. “Each year brings new teammates, and watching their development is like seeing a story unfold from beginning to end.”
Keys enjoys the connections he’s formed. “The endless experiences with teammates, their families, and our coaches are unmatched,” Keys said. This camaraderie is a cornerstone of Marian’s track and field program. The team’s legacy is something Keys takes pride in.
“We’re doing both; building off the legacy before us and creating our own,” Keys said.
This dual approach ensures that the program’s excellence continues to grow.
The role of coaches at Marian extends beyond physical training. Keys highlighted their use of reassurance and positive affirmations to challenge and support athletes. “They help us minimize doubts about our abilities,” Keys said. This balance of encouragement and challenge is essential to fostering confidence and growth.
Keys’ personal goals are ambitious yet grounded. “I am going to qualify for nationals and become a national champion,” Keys said. Something he is quite accustomed to as he was an All-Conference thrower for the indoor events last season.
As a team, the Knights aim to dominate both conference and nationals. “We have a five-year streak of winning conferences for both men and women, and we don’t plan to let up,” Keys said. “Conferences are when we all have high intensity. It’s a time to defend our title.”.
As a thrower, Keys acknowledges the mental hurdles that come with the sport. “The hardest part is overcoming the mindset of questioning your abilities,” Keys said. For him, resilience is built through repetition, hard work, and persistence. Keys uses techniques like breathing exercises and music to stay focused during big meets.
“The moment you accept doubt and stop pushing is when it’s too late,” Keys said. “Music puts my mind in an aggressive meet mode.”
Keys is equally committed to his academic goals. His career aspirations include securing a role in human resources post-graduation. Balancing academics and athletics is no small feat, but Keys exemplifies the discipline required to excel in both.
“I am going to finish this semester with a 4.0 GPA,” Keys said.
For students and fans of Marian University, Keys encourages keeping an eye on conference and national meets. These events are a showcase of the team’s hard work and a chance to witness history in the making. Indoor Crossroad league championships begin February 16th and end the 17th, and the outdoor championships start at the beginning of May. Don’t miss out on these exciting events!
“Those meets come with high intensity and school records,” Keys said.
Keys’ journey at Marian University is a testament to perseverance, teamwork, and ambition. Whether building a legacy on the track, supporting teammates, or pursuing academic excellence, he embodies the values of the Marian Knights. Keys’ story is a reminder that success comes from a combination of determination, community, and a relentless drive to improve.
