The Thayer Academy Athletics Department has named Derek Keough ’12 as the new head coach of its boys varsity cross country team. Coach Keough brings a deep connection to Thayer athletics and a passion for developing both runners and student-athletes.

"We’re thrilled to have Coach Keough take the reins of the boys cross country program following in the footsteps of Joe Pelletier," said Athletic Director Bobbi Moran. "Having run for Coach Pelletier, Derek is the perfect person to continue the legacy of passion, commitment, and team-first attitude that’s so central to our cross country program. I look forward to supporting Coach Keough, and I’m thrilled that he’ll be joined by veteran assistant coach Paul McCarron, whose dedication to our Thayer harriers has been outstanding."

Keough said he’s honored to continue the efforts of Pelletier, who recently retired from both coaching and teaching English at Thayer. 

"Coach Pelletier cared deeply about his runners and always made team morale a priority. I hope to carry that legacy forward and cannot wait to get started this fall."

Keough's approach focuses on the comprehensive development of his student-athletes. 

"I want to help the team become faster runners and better student-athletes as a whole," he explained. "High school sports provide a great opportunity to teach student-athletes about proper nutrition, fitness, and recovery so they’re able to perform at their best. Most of all, I want these student-athletes to enjoy showing up for practice each day and to take pride in putting on the Thayer jersey. It’s an honor to run for this school."

The new head coach’s passion for the sport stems from his own experience as a Thayer cross country runner. 

"My time running cross country for Thayer was one of the most transformative experiences of my high school years,” said Keough. “I loved running with some of my closest friends after school each day. I learned about discipline, hard work, and being a good teammate. Those lessons have carried through into my work as a teacher and coach."

Keough’s running journey continued at Holy Cross, where he was an avid member of the Holy Cross Running Club, running along the hills and valleys of Worcester. He remains active in the running community, participating in various 5K races around the South Shore.

Keough returned to Thayer in the fall of 2018 as a mathematics teacher and has since expanded his role within the school community. He currently teaches math and computer science, serves as a class dean, and coaches JV baseball. He previously served as the head coach for boys JV soccer, demonstrating his commitment to Thayer athletics across multiple sports.

Keough takes a decidedly holistic approach to education and athletics. 

"I love working with students both in and out of the classroom to help them become better learners and better people," he said. 

The boys varsity cross country team begins its season Saturday, September 13, with an away meet against Brooks School. To learn more about all upcoming games, matches, and meets for all Thayer teams, visit the Athletics section of the school’s website. 

Founded in 1877, Thayer Academy is a proud member of both the ISL and NEPSAC.