TRIPLE CROWN OF EXCELLENCE: Elmira Notre Dame Celebrates Keough, Patterson, and Richards as Athletes of the Year for Dominant Seasons
At Elmira Notre Dame, a school rich in tradition, athletic pride, and academic excellence, the conclusion of another school year brought with it a celebration of extraordinary individual achievement. The school named three standout student-athletes—Keough, Patterson, and Richards—as its Athletes of the Year, a prestigious recognition that not only honors their performances in competition but also their leadership, character, and the indelible marks they’ve left on the Crusaders community. This moment was more than just a trophy presentation. It was a culmination of years of dedication, long hours of practice, personal growth, and countless memories forged on courts, fields, and tracks. These three honorees didn’t just meet expectations—they shattered them. They redefined what it means to be a student-athlete at Elmira Notre Dame, inspiring teammates, underclassmen, and even coaches with their tenacity, discipline, and excellence. The echoes of their accomplishments will long reverberate through the halls and locker rooms of the school.
Keough, known for her fierce competitiveness and relentless motor, was a cornerstone of multiple Notre Dame sports programs. Whether she was dominating the hardwood during basketball season or commanding attention on the volleyball court, Keough was a constant force. Her stats speak volumes, but her presence—both vocal and quiet—was what set her apart. She was the player you could count on when the pressure mounted, the one who made the clutch plays, who dived for every loose ball, and who never allowed her team to quit. Her teammates often referred to her as “the engine,” and it was an apt nickname. What made Keough so special was not just the points she scored or the blocks she recorded, but her willingness to sacrifice for the team’s success. She mentored younger players with patience, often staying after practices to offer tips and words of encouragement. Off the court, Keough was just as impressive, maintaining top academic performance and engaging in volunteer work that reflected her compassionate character.
Patterson, meanwhile, became synonymous with excellence in track and cross-country. His performances were nothing short of legendary. With each meet, he continued to set new personal bests, break school records, and raise the bar for what was possible. Coaches often marveled at his work ethic, noting how he pushed himself relentlessly in practice and served as a model for focus and determination. But Patterson’s greatness was more than physical. His mental toughness and quiet humility defined him just as much as his medals. Whether leading the charge in a high-stakes invitational or motivating a struggling teammate, Patterson carried himself with a grace that earned the admiration of rivals and peers alike. His leadership was subtle but unwavering. In one memorable moment this season, after securing a dramatic first-place finish, he circled back to cheer on a teammate finishing last. That selfless act captured the essence of Patterson’s character—a commitment not only to excellence but to community and support.
Then there was Richards, the dynamic football standout whose season left fans, scouts, and opposing teams in awe. He played both sides of the ball with explosive intensity and skill, racking up touchdowns, tackles, and highlight-reel plays that ignited the Notre Dame faithful every Friday night. Coaches described him as a “once-in-a-generation” athlete, someone who combined natural talent with tireless work. Richards spent countless hours in the weight room and film sessions, determined to master his craft. On the field, he was electric—a playmaker with game-changing speed and vision. Off the field, he embraced his role as a leader, organizing team events, speaking to younger athletes, and holding his teammates accountable in the best possible way. What made Richards’ journey even more inspiring was his resilience. Overcoming an early-season injury, he returned stronger, refusing to let setbacks define his year. His comeback performances were nothing short of heroic, helping propel Notre Dame to key victories and deep postseason contention.
The honor bestowed upon Keough, Patterson, and Richards is not just an acknowledgment of athletic skill. It is recognition of a broader impact—on their teams, their school, and their community. These three individuals didn’t just play sports. They led with integrity, inspired with effort, and uplifted those around them. In many ways, they represented the very best of Elmira Notre Dame: excellence, humility, resilience, and unity. Their names will be remembered not just for their trophies and accolades, but for the way they carried themselves through victory and defeat. In classrooms, they remained engaged and driven. In the community, they volunteered and gave back. And in every competition, they gave nothing less than their best.
The selection process for Athletes of the Year is always competitive at Elmira Notre Dame. The school has long prided itself on nurturing well-rounded student-athletes who excel across multiple domains. Yet even in such a talent-rich environment, the achievements of Keough, Patterson, and Richards stood out unmistakably. Their commitment to growth, their impact on others, and their ability to balance the immense demands of high-level athletics with academic success made them ideal recipients. Faculty members, coaches, and administrators all praised their maturity and focus, noting that their contributions extended far beyond stats and scores. They inspired a culture of excellence and humility that will serve as a model for future Crusaders.
As the school year comes to a close and each of these athletes prepares to embark on the next chapter of their lives—whether in college athletics, academic pursuits, or new personal adventures—there is a sense that their journeys are only just beginning. Their time at Notre Dame may be ending, but the lessons they’ve learned and the legacy they’ve created will endure. They’ve laid a foundation of excellence that others will build upon. Younger athletes will recall the way Keough commanded the court, how Patterson glided across the finish line with quiet strength, and how Richards elevated his entire team with passion and purpose. In time, they will be spoken of as legends—students who gave their all, who wore the Crusader jersey with pride, and who left the program better than they found it.
There is something uniquely powerful about honoring high school athletes in this way. While professional and college-level stars often dominate the headlines, it is in these local communities where the heart of sports truly lives. The celebration of Keough, Patterson, and Richards reminds everyone—parents, teachers, fans, and students—why we cheer, why we care, and why these moments matter. They affirm the value of effort, the meaning of teamwork, and the power of belief. These three student-athletes turned potential into performance and dreams into reality, setting an example for what can be achieved through perseverance, passion, and integrity.
Elmira Notre Dame’s recognition of these extraordinary individuals is also a celebration of the entire athletic program. It speaks to the quality of coaching, the support of families, the investment of teachers, and the strength of community. Behind every great athlete is a network of people who believe in them, push them, and guide them. In honoring Keough, Patterson, and Richards, the school also honors everyone who played a part in their journeys. These young athletes may have been the stars, but they never stood alone. Their achievements are shared victories, reflecting the collective effort and love of those who have supported them every step of the way.
Looking ahead, the future for each of these honorees is bright. College recruiters have taken notice. Keough’s fierce competitive spirit and leadership have already attracted interest from programs eager to add a dependable and versatile athlete to their roster. Patterson’s speed, endurance, and poise make him a prime candidate for success at the collegiate track level. And Richards, with his game-breaking ability and natural football instincts, is expected to make waves wherever he lands. But beyond their athletic potential lies something even more important—the character they’ve demonstrated throughout their careers. That character will serve them well in all walks of life, far beyond the fields and courts of Elmira.
In the years to come, long after the lights of the high school stage have dimmed, the story of Keough, Patterson, and Richards will continue to be told. They’ll be remembered not just for the championships they helped win or the records they broke, but for who they were and how they made others feel. They showed that greatness isn’t just about talent—it’s about heart, about lifting others, about striving to be better every day. As Elmira Notre Dame continues to nurture the next generation of student-athletes, it will do so in the shadow of these three shining examples.
Their journeys are far from over, but already, Keough, Patterson, and Richards have secured their place in school history. They are, and will forever be, the standard of excellence. They wore the Crusader blue and gold with unmatched pride, and in doing so, they’ve lit a path for others to follow. Elmira Notre Dame didn’t just name three Athletes of the Year—it honored three legacies in the making. And for everyone who had the privilege of watching them compete, lead, and grow, the message is clear: this is what greatness looks like.
