GALION — Logan Keller is carrying on a family tradition.
Keller signed his letter of intent to play golf at Indiana Tech on Thursday. He follows in the footsteps of his older brother, Spencer, who has played golf for Tech over the past three years.
“What a unique opportunity to be able to play with your older brother,” second year Indiana Tech coach Mark Beneke said. “One thing we see — there is a little bit of a learning curve from senior year high school golf to freshman year college golf. I think Logan having a big brother is a good influence. Spencer’s been an all-conference player for us. But more importantly, he knows how to navigate life around campus.”
The chance to play golf with his brother was a significant factor in Keller’s decision to choose Indiana Tech.
“He was kicking around that idea back in August about the possibility of doing that,” Galion golf coach Bryce Lehman said. “Even though Spencer won’t admit it, Spencer’s looking forward to it. They’ve got a pretty good freshman class coming in at Indiana Tech, so it will be great to see how they do.”
Keller admitted that playing with his brother affected his decision.
“It definitely played into it,” Keller said. “It will be nice to get one more year (together). We got one in high school, and it was really fun. It was probably the best year of my four (years) and I’m looking forward to doing it again.”
That speaks volumes, considering that Keller was named second team Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference his sophomore year and first team his junior and senior years, all after Spencer had moved on to college. He was part of an MOAC championship as a junior.
Other schools expressed interest in Keller’s services, but proximity and being with his brother made Tech the obvious choice.
“There were a few (others),” Keller said. “Being close to home and having my brother there played into it — a roommate I already know.”
Indiana Tech is located in Fort Wayne. The Warriors compete in the 12-team Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference. Keller plans to double major in Business Administration and Business Analytics.
Keller is another product of the highly successful Galion golf program.
“Logan’s probably the eighth or ninth kid I’ve had to go on and play college golf in the past 12 years,” Lehman said.
Beneke said he now understands the importance of golf in the Galion community.
“Just getting the pleasure of meeting the Keller family — they’ve just opened my eyes to how big of a deal golf is (here),” Beneke said. “Coming over and watching Logan in the conference championship, it’s I know a storied history and lots of recent success here at Galion.”
He has prepared well for golf at the next level.
“Logan’s had not only a great senior season, but four years of solid golf, very consistent,” Lehman said. “This past season, he was very steady with some really good scores. I think his highest 18-hole score was 78. But he’s also put a lot of work into it. I can’t keep him off the golf course in the spring, summer, and fall, and even in the winter on the simulator. This is the result of it.”
Keller is up to the challenge of life as a college athlete.
“I see the schooling being the toughest part, but I’m sure I can work around it,” Keller said. “I’m excited for the traveling and to get to know the team and all the people on it.”
“It (his brother being there) will definitely make the transition easier as long as Spencer steers him in the right direction,” Lehman joked. “But they get along very well for the age difference of four years. Logan looks up to Spencer.”