Keith Gorby was the first in what would turn out to be an impressive number of distance runners for the Youngstown State cross country and track and field programs. Long after his career, he is still recognized as one of the best in school history.
Gorby competed for the cross country and track and field programs from 1989 through 1994. He had success on the conference, state and national level throughout his career.
Competing in cross country he finished in the top five at two conference championships.
In 1991, he finished with a time of 25:25 to place fourth at the Mid-Continent Championships and earn first team all conference honors. YSU finished second at the Mid-Con meet.
In 1993, he finished second with a time of 25:15 to again earn first team all conference accolades. As a squad, the Penguins finished in fourth place.
He won two Mid-Con individual distance running championships. His first came in the 5000 meters (15:02.60) at the 1991-92 Indoor Track and Field Championship. He won the 10,000 meters (31:45.80) at the 1992 Outdoor Track and Field Championship.
Gorby may have earned more conference accolades, but the Mid-Con did not hold league meets the next two years.
As a freshman, had a successful year as one of the top two distance runners in the nation. For his efforts competed on the US Junior National team in Bulgaria running the 20,000 meters.
Gorby was an All Ohio College Division selection in cross country in 1989, 1992 and 1993 and indoor track and field in 1993 and 1994. He was ranked as one of the top three 3,000 meter runners in the state.
Gorby is still the school record hold in the 5000 meter run in both indoor and outdoor track. He also held the school mark in the 10,000 meters (30:18), 3000 meters (8:28) and cross country eight and 10 kilometer marks.
Because of his success, he helped create the foundation for a strong track and field program along with his brothers Brian and Kevin.
Gorby earned a bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education from YSU and later earned his master's in Education from YSU as well. Following his career he spent two years as an assistant coach for the Penguins.
At Boardman High School he was an all state performer in the two mile run, qualified for state all four years in cross country, was a two time All Steel Valley Conference selection in track and field and cross country as his school won four conference championships.
He currently works as an assistant manager for the Wal-Mart Corporation.
Keith and his wife Angela, reside in Boardman with their two children, Julia and Brennan.
