A third member of the 2019 Saint Ignatius offensive line is headed to play college football.

Owen Keane has committed to Butler University.

Keane joins his teammates Tony Georges and Nick Schwitzgebel in heading to play football on the next level. 

Butler University has a Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) program, which competes in the Pioneer Football League. As it so happens, the PFL also hosts Stetson University, the current home of Billy Corte '18. The PFL has programs in eight states from coast to coast. 

"It was a really good fit," Keane said of Butler. "It reminded me a lot of Ignatius. Their president [Jim Danko '71] actually went to Ignatius. It seemed like they share the same philosophies. They have a big focus on the academic side, and I like that."

A private liberal arts university in Indianapolis, Indiana, Butler is a great institution. With an enrollment of 4,200 undergrad students and over 60 fields of study, Butler will be a great fit for Keane.   

"Academically, I think this is right what he's hoping for," said Wildcats' head coach Chuck Kyle '69. "This is a good school, and it's hard to get in to. With his grades, I think there's some great opportunity."

Keane currently sports a cumulative GPA of 4.21 and hopes to have a career somewhere in STEM. 

"Owen is a good student," Kyle said. "Butler is in Indianapolis which is a great town to be in. Great school and academics. I think there's a nice thing about being in a bigger city with internships they offer, particularly in Indianapolis. It's a great choice for him."

Keane will also be a great match for the Bulldogs athletically. Butler is a strong program, led by 14-year veteran head coach Jeff Voris. The Bulldogs had a down year in 2019 at 3-9, but will look to rebound in 2020. Keane will fit in on Butler's big offensive line. 

At 6'3, 290 pounds, Keane is a grinder of a lineman. After serving as a backup in 2018, Keane earned a starting spot at right guard in 2019. As a senior, he started all 10 games. Keane helped the Wildcats' rushing attack thrive and gave time for quarterback Griffin Hanna to throw. 

"I learned the value of teammates," Keane said. "Teamwork is so important. That was the biggest lesson I'll take away."

Kyle loved working with Keane, who's a very hard worker. 

"His work ethic was great," Kyle said. "He worked so hard. He's very coachable. College coaches realize that. He's a humble, coachable young man. You can sit down with him and say, 'Hey, you have to work on your footwork here,' and he'd say 'Yes, sir" and go do it. He does everything you ask of him. He's a great kid to coach. I'm really happy for him. He put a lot of work in."

Before he heads west, Keane has a few thank you's. 

"I want to thank my coaches – Coach Kyle, Coach Yappel, and Coach Adam," Keane said. "I also want to thank my parents, teammates, and my brothers."