TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- The Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology campus community is saddened to share the news of the passing of Head Athletic Trainer Scott Keller, after succumbing to his lengthy battle with cancer.
Keller was in his 23rd year with the institution, with plans to retire after the conclusion of the 2025-26 academic year. He started at Rose-Hulman during the 2003 season as an assistant athletic trainer and was promoted to head athletic trainer the following year in 2004. Previously, he served as an assistant athletic trainer at Indiana State University for four years. He also served as an orthopedic screener of the nation's top college football players for seven years at the National Invitational NFL Scouting Combine. He earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree in athletic training at Indiana State.
"There are many things that stand out about Scotty, but one of the things that resonates most was his ability to connect on a personal level with everyone. He was an excellent trainer, but he also cared very deeply about each student-athlete he worked with," said Vice President of Student Affairs Erik Hayes. "He also had an exceptional work ethic. When he and Kristen took over the athletic training, they both worked so hard with a limited staff to ensure our student-athletes had the support they needed."
Keller worked with every athletic team over the course of his career, impacting over 10,000 student-athletes. He was also a member of the National Athletic Training Association, the Indiana Athletic Training Association, a Wellness Committee Member, and a member of the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society.
"Scotty's dedication, support, kindness, and spirit touched every one of us, in and around the program. His contribution and presence not only made a lasting impact on our program but on the athletic department," said Head Softball Coach Brian Shearer. "Scott was more than an athletic trainer. He loved to be helpful in any way possible. Scott loved to help with drills and even fulfilled many assistant coaching duties for a few years. No matter the hours or the kind of weather we were going to endure, he was always present with a positive attitude and ready to go. Most importantly, Scotty was my friend. Scotty, you will be missed."
After receiving his cancer diagnosis, Keller continued to be involved with Rose-Hulman Athletics, cheering the Fightin' Engineers on from the sidelines and even performing the honorary coin toss at the 2025 homecoming football game.
"Scotty was competitive, he loved winning, and he loved our student-athletes. Every great memory I have of Rose-Hulman football goes along with a great Scott Keller celebration. He loved helping our student-athletes succeed, and he loved sharing their joy on the sidelines," said Head Football Coach Jeff Sokol.
Keller led the Rose-Hulman athletic training staff that was awarded the Jess Lucas Spirit Award in 2021. The award is given to the individual or group who has shown the most spirit throughout the year in support of Rose-Hulman Athletics. The group was also awarded the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Commissioner's Cup in 2021 for their outstanding time commitment and personal sacrifice during the COVID 2020-21 academic year.
"Scotty was the best friend, life coach, mentor, and athletic trainer I have ever known," said Athletic Trainer Kristen Kauffman. "He was by my side for 30 years, and it still wasn't long enough. There is no way to measure how much impact he had on so many people during his career. He was a Rose-Hulman rockstar!"
For more than two decades, Keller has been a steady hand, the reassuring voice, and the caring professional behind the scenes. He has supported Rose-Hulman student-athletes in every moment, from their greatest victories to their toughest challenges. His impact has reached far beyond the training room, as he has been a constant source of support for our athletes, coaches, and administrators.
Keller's commitment to Rose-Hulman Athletics has left a lasting legacy, and he will be truly missed.
