Carroll College Athletics

During his two years at the Hilltop, Butte Central product Sarsfield “Sas” Keane – at 6’0” and 195 pounds, once described as the “biggest, fastest man on the field” – played halfback both ways, kick returner and kicker/punter, and could drop kick a football 45 yards. In 1921, after 10 years of football at the school, the Saints had never beaten a college team. Until MSC bested Billings Polytechnic (Rocky Mountain), 12-0 on the road, with Keane’s 40 yard insurance touchdown securing the victory. The team went 2-4 on the year, with Sas scoring 31 of its 38 points.

The Hilltoppers went 3-2 in 1922, Keane being the top scorer again at 32 pts. Among his highlights were two TDs, a 70-yard punt return to The House, 5 conversion kicks and a 90 KOR, vs. Gooding College; a drop-kick FG against Montana State; and two TDs and a PAT against Montana Mines (Tech). Keane also competed in basketball and track & field. He then transferred to Creighton University, becoming an honorable mention All-American gridder, and setting track records in the 100 and 220 yard dashes, broad jump and pole vault.