Longtime swimming benefactor and former standout swimmer Bill Keating has passed away from cancer at the age of 63.
Keating was a staple of the Cincinnati swimming scene. Born in Cincinnati, Keating swim for local St. Xavier High School and the University of Cincinnati. He now resides in the athletic Halls of Fame of both institutions.
Keating stayed very connected after his competitive swimming career ended. He helped fund St. Xavier’s aquatics facility, and both that facility (the Keating Natatorium) and the University of Cincinnati pool (the Keating Aquatic Center) are named after Keating’s family. His father William Sr. was also a member of the University of Cincinnati Hall of Fame along with William, Jr.’s brother Charles.
Bill Keating held seven school records and five conference records when he graduated from Cincinnati, per the school’s release on his passing. He earned his bachelor’s degree, MBA and his law degree from the school and was a strong supporter of women’s sports throughout his life. He was also honored in 2016 by the U.S. Olympic Committee for his work with disabled athletes.
You can read the University of Cincinnati’s full tribute to Keating here.