Elmer Keib was a forward for Syracuse University for three seasons. He was a starting forward on the 1914 undefeated team, and was third in scoring that season with 4.6 points per game.

As a junior, Keib would play both forward and center. He would be the second leading scorer on the team, with 70 points. He was the main scorer from the field, scoring all of his points from the floor (no free throws); Wilbur Crisp and Sol Bloom took all the free throws that season.

Keib was known for his excellent passing ability and having a fine eye for shooting on the court. When Art Osman left the team in 1915 to pursue crew, Keib easily switched from his forward position to the center position.

Keib would play only one game his senior season. He participated in a professional game for Kingston against Rochester in early 1916. Art Powell, Rochester coach and Syracuse legendary alumni, saw the game and warned Keib not to play. Keib, however, unheeded the advice, along with four reserve Syracuse players (Nathan Malefski, Charles Payne, John Malone and Thomas McAvoy). On January 14th, 1916 the Syracuse eligibility committee ruled that Keib and the others were suspended for one year from playing basketball for Syracuse University, even though they had not accepted any money to play.

Keib also pitched for the baseball team at Syracuse lettering in 1916 and 1917.

He would play basketball for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in the early 1920s.

Keib was a chief forester for New York state, and was recognized as an authority on reforestation and tree conservation [1]. He would also work for Niagara Mohawk Power as a land and tax agent.

John Elmer Keib passed away in 1968.

© RLYoung 2006, 2008, 2014, 2015

[1] Watertown Daily Times, July 26, 1968 John E. Keib Obituary