Onondaga Central
Every year at Homecoming, a few of Onondaga JR/SR High School’s many successful alumni are selected to be recognized on the Wall of Distinction. This year, Gary Keehfus and Latavius Murray are being honored by being inducted into the Wall of Distinction. We were lucky enough to interview Gary Keehfus for this edition of the Tiger Prowl. Gary Keehfus is a 1962 graduate of Onondaga Central School and is among one of Onondaga’s most successful alumni. Keehfus attended Morrisville and Kent State University. After graduating, Keehfus entered the insurance industry, quickly rising to the top and eventually becoming President of an insurance company and held this position for 14 years. In 1994 Keefhus decided to capitalize on his wealth of experience and knowledge by starting his own insurance company, First Cardinal Corporation. By the time Keehfus sold his company in 2006, it had grown from 7 employees to 300 employees in 4 different states. Following the sale of First Cardinal Corporation, Keehfus continued to be involved with business. Today, Keefhus is part owner in Saratoga Casino Hotel, Morton’s SteakHouse, Saratoga Black Hawk Casino in Colorado, self storage facilities, and warehouses, among various other real estate ventures. Tell us a little about yourself: I grew up on Onondaga Hill, in a family of 5 children. I played a great deal of sports: basketball, baseball, football and ran track. I always had part time jobs, working at a floral shop, a warehouse and a farm. What was your favorite part of attending high school at Onondaga and how have teachers/staff supported you while in high school? While at Onondaga, I was close to my coaches and enjoyed the teaching staff. One teacher in particular stood out, Max Metcalf. He always talked reality, not hypothetical. The teaching staff was very dedicated and always took the extra time to work with you. As a student, I did not appreciate how well the faculty worked together and how loyal they were to the school and to the students, but after going to college, I looked back and appreciated what we had at OCS. Describe what Onondaga was like when you attended and how your time at OCS influenced you? OCS, being a small rural school, in my opinion, was a plus versus a minus. I do not think I would have gotten the personal attention academically, nor would I have been able to compete on the athletic teams as well as I did, because of the small size of the school. As it turned out, when I went to college, I did well academically and I played basketball and baseball. I think it is easy for certain students to get lost in large schools, that is something that did not happen at OCS. I believe the size and makeup of OCS enabled me to forge ahead, versus getting lost. This is a belief I have used in business and in my personal life. I always look to help the underdog, and make sure no one is overlooked or gets lost in their profession or their life. What is your advice to students at OCS? My advice to students at OCS: Have a good attitude, appreciate what you have, be good to your parents, work hard and always say thank you. Do you have any advice to students in particular that want to someday start or run a business? If any students intend on starting a business, you should talk to an accountant, an attorney, have familiarity in the industry, put a business plan together, and have the resources or know where it is coming from. You should also get ready for tough times, because starting up a new business, is very difficult, but also very rewarding if you succeed. Surround yourself with smart, intelligent and hard working people. Let these people succeed, if they do something well, give them credit and do not over shadow them. Latavius Murray: Latavius Murray: a high school football star, NFL Running back, and an OCS alumni. Murray, born in Florida, graduated from OCS in 2008. He was a three sport athlete, playing football, basketball and running track. Although he played many sports, he excelled in football, he was an All-League and All- Central New York player for three season in a row. Not only that, but as a Sophomore, Murray was a third-team, All-state honoree and was named to first-team by his Junior year. He rushed 2,030 yards that year, and made 30 touchdowns. As a Senior, he was named Gatorade Football Player of the Year (2007). That season, he rushed 2,194 yards and made 28 touchdowns. He was named Class D Player of the Year and first-team All-State. As a graduate, he had many options to attend college for he received many scholarships. Murray ultimately chose to attend the University of Central Florida. As a Sophomore in college, he received the honor of being the Conference USA Championship MVP and MVP of the Liberty Bowl. By his senior year, he was an All-C-USA First Team selection. His college career total was 2,424 rushing yards, 37 rushing touchdowns, 50 receptions, 524 receiving yards and 6 receiving touchdowns. Murray began his professional football career by playing with the Oakland Raiders. It was there were he was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2015. In 2017, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings, wearing jersey #25, to honor his best friend who passed away the year before. Murray made it to the NFC Championship Game. This past March, Murray signed a 4 year contract with the New Orleans Saints. Murray established a scholarship in honor of his best friend and classmate. Latavius Murray has proven himself to be an outstanding football playing who is proud of his roots.
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