Thomas Keigler, former Towson High lacrosse great, has died

Many in the Towson area and in the greater lacrosse community are mourning the death of Thomas Norman Keigler, who died last week after battling brain cancer.

“Keigler was an all-county, all-state and All-America player at Towson High School, before joining the [Washington and Lee University] Generals in 1974. He was a four-year starter for W&L, earning Third Team All-America honors as a sophomore and First Team All-America laurels as a junior and senior,” according to LaxPower.com. “He finished his career with 638 ground balls, more than any player in school history. He helped lead W&L to four NCAA Division I tournament berths, culminating in runs to the NCAA semifinals in 1974 and 1975.”

Keigler was the “beloved husband of Barbara Keigler (nee Schermerhorn), dear son of William Sorrell Keigler and the late Myra Keigler (nee Goodling), devoted father of William Thomas Keigler and his wife Lauren Dorsey Keigler, Thomas Edward Keigler and Robert Bradford Keigler, dear brother of Lynn Keigler Pforr,” according to his obituary.

According to an article on Washington and Lee’s athletics website, Keigler was “arguably the best defenseman to ever play lacrosse at W&L. He was a four-year starter, three-time All-American and drew lavish praise from everyone that saw him play. Prior to his senior season W&L head coach Jack Emmer said, ‘Tom is the best defenseman in the college game, it’s as simple as that…enjoy him fans, he’s one in a million.'”

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 10:30 AM at the Church of the Redeemer, 5603 N. Charles Street. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the US Lacrosse Foundation, 2 Loveton Circle, Sparks, MD 21152. www.uslacrosse.org/foundation.