Hi ya’ll! Lisa here. I am getting back to my southern roots with this interview of my awesome friend Keeley. She and I have know each other for at least 6 years going on forever. She is hilarious, witty, a loyal friend and cute as all get up. Can’t beat that! The Football 101 Women are interested in pulling in more southern flair, particularly for College ball. Keeley was the perfect candidate to get us started!
Keeley Krantz
I am a Southern girl that you can take out of the South but you can’t take the South out of me. I’ve got my wild side and have some family members I used to not be able to understand due to their accents. I am currently a personal assistant to my two year old Griffin. This is the toughest job I’ve ever had. He works me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I have a wonderful husband- despite the fact he is a Yankee and an Ohio State fan. (Can we say, “Loser?”) I also have a beautiful rescue hybrid dog named Caroline and two rescue cats named Willie and Jack.
When did you become a football fan?
Growing up in South Carolina I always remember a big question being-do you like Clemson or Carolina? There always seemed to be distinct generalizations with either choice. For as long as I can remember Thanksgiving was spent with the extended family squeezed around the television cheering on our teams sometimes much to my dismay. I believe the saying is, “If you can’t beat them, join them.”
The South is known for their religious love of college ball. Do you prefer college ball over professional? What is your favorite team?
COLLEGE BALL. It’s the whole experience and the fact that usually somebody somewhere knows something about somebody from one of the teams. I’m a Carolina Gamecock fan. (and yes that is South Carolina there are two Carolina’s North and South)
What are some of your favorite football traditions? Or traditions that you see in the South?
Tailgating!! We cook up some “pick up food”. That’s finger food for the Northern folks-anything that can easily be shoved into your mouth by picking it up. College students dress up for football games and sometimes go with dates. Usually, the fraternities host parties for the games. (This usually involves kegs at early hours and marathon drinking, sorry Mom!) After a morning of strong work, you’d usually follow with a nap. If you set your alarm you could possibly make it back out to the bars at Five Points but more often then not the day ended with the nap.
What advice would you give women who are learning the game?
As sad as it sounds, actually pay attention. I spent a long time talking through the games which really doesn’t help you to learn anything.
I know you are a guilty fan of the Michael Vick project, why the attraction? Are you learning anything?
I am an animal lover. I actually lived in Norfolk, VA during the time of his arrest. There was a ton of coverage as Michael is from Newport News, VA and Norfolk is the headquarters for PETA. I went to the dog park everyday so we’d have debates about what should be done to Michael Vick. I also have a rescue rottie mix. She was dropped off with a broken back leg. I can only imagine what her first experiences on this Earth were like. I wanted to see if this man was truly sorry for his actions or just sorry he got caught.
We put athletes on such pedestals it’s easy to see how they can fall so far from grace. I really haven’t learned anything I didn’t suspect already. I feel he fell prey to circumstances of his upbringing and the perils that fame and money bring. I think the NFL should offer these guys some sort of mental counseling. Everything comes so fast and furious at these young men and many are not prepared. I do think despite his actions Michael has brought awareness to the issue of dog fighting. I believe the more that is spoken about dog-fighting and how evil it is will help to stop it. This awareness will also help younger generations from carrying this illegal activity forward.
Thank you for your insight Keeley, we appreciate it!
