Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame Induction 2017 - - James Keyton, Jr.

THE GREATER LANSING AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

INDUCTION CEREMONY

2017

James Keyton, Jr. 

The first year I moved to Lansing, I had the thrill of watching the 1979-80 Lansing Eastern Basketball team, which featured Sam Vincent and future Mr. Basketball Robert Henderson, win the State Class A Basketball Championship.  Another huge (in more than one way) cog in this championship was Center James Keyton.  

He was 6' 6" and an All-State player in basketball, football and baseball.  He was built like a pro football lineman and eventually played in the NFL.  I remember being amazed by how a player that size could move so well.

Mr. Keyton thanked the Committee for the honor.  He wanted to make three points about Favor, Family and Finishing.  These were important in giving him the background he needed to excel.

In regard to Favor, he cited the Book of Proverbs about respecting family and authority.  He also talked of his experiences competing with and scrimmaging with Michigan State players.  These trials made him a better person.  He usually learned more from setbacks than from successes.

He pointed about how it is important to have a strong family.  It helps you to learn to work out problems in person (as opposed to starting a Twitter fight).  He thanked several of his coaches for pushing him to become the best athlete he could be.

Finishing means to do your best in life and not just rely on innate talent.  Nothing is guaranteed.  It is important to be an example and to give back to the youth of the community.  

He closed with a quote from scripture that advises us to live life in hope of a better afterlife.