McKeown returns to softball post

Niagara County Community College stalwart Bob McKeown will return to the softball dugout as head coach for the 2023-24 season. McKeown previously served as NCCC head coach from 2000-2010. He replaces Nate Beutel, who led the program for the last nine seasons and will continue in his other roles at the college.

"We are excited to welcome (McKeown) back to NCCC athletics," Director of Athletics Amanda Haseley said. "I am confident this will be a natural and smooth transition for our department. We look forward to continued success on the softball diamond."

McKeown, currently the college's Assistant Vice President for Student Services and Campus Engagement, led the softball program to three postseason appearances during his first stint as head coach. He also coached NCCC Athletics Wall of Fame inductees Sheri Brooks-Lancaster, Wendy Schutz-Thompson and Erin Whitehead-Stillman.

"I am thrilled to come back and coach softball at NCCC again," McKeown said. "I am looking forward to working with the returning players and bringing in more talent to help us compete year in and year out."

McKeown will be joined by assistant coach Jenna Koch, a former two-year starter at catcher for NCCC. Koch also coached at NCCC from 2002-2006.

"I am excited that Jenna Koch will be returning to my coaching staff," McKeown said. "Jenna was a great player and coach for me in the past and I know she will make a positive impact on the players and program."

Since 1997, McKeown has served NCCC in several capacities: Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management, Director of Admissions, Director of Athletics, Admissions Technical Assistant, Arts & Media & Health/Physical Education Adjunct Instructor, Head Women's Basketball Coach, Sports Information Director, The Spirit Advisor and Assistant Men's Basketball Coach.

Prior to NCCC, McKeown worked as a sportscaster, reporter, producer and photographer at WKBW-TV Channel 7 in Buffalo. He also spent time with the On-Line Scouting Network, Lockport Union-Sun & Journal and McKeown Enterprises.

McKeown is enshrined in both the Starpoint High School (2009) and NCCC (2005) Athletics Wall of Fame. As a member of the then-Trailblazers, McKeown was a team MVP and All Penn-York Conference selection on the baseball diamond. He also was a member of the football team at the University at Buffalo before injuries turned him to baseball full-time.

McKeown holds an associate's degree in communications from NCCC, a bachelor's degree in media communications from SUNY Empire State College and a master's degree in mass media arts & journalism with a public relations emphasis from Clarion University. He currently resides with his family in Lockport.

The NCCC softball program is coming off its two most successful seasons in program history. The team won 58 games during that span, finished as Region III runner-up in 2022 and had its first-ever NJCAA All-American (Maggiemay Murrins) this past spring.

Those interested in playing softball should contact McKeown at mckeown@niagaracc.suny.edu.