Few collegiate field events performers can boast of the accomplishments of Eino Keerd ('60). During his career at BU, the Estonian-born Keerd earned All-America honors twice, was the NCAA shot put champion twice, was the NCAA and New England 35-pound weight champion and was runner-up to BU's John Lawlor as the intercollegiate hammer throw champion.
Keerd, who escaped from behind the Iron Curtain with his family as a youngster, and Lawlor, who came to Boston University from Dublin, represented the greatest one-two punch in the weight events in the country. The pair, along with John Thomas, brought Boston University international recognition in the 1959 NCAA Track and Field Championships, narrowly missing the national team title.
Eino won the shot, placed second in the hammer and third in the discus. Lawlor won the hammer and Thomas won the high jump and placed second in the hurdles.
Needless to say, the Terriers dominated eastern and New England competition from 1957 to 1960.
According to his coach, Doug Raymond, Eino could put the 16-pound shot over 60', the discus over 180'Â and the hammer over 200'.
His ability was of Olympic quality, but if he competed in the Olympics he would have had to represent Estonia and he chose not to compete. He was, however, selected for the U.S. touring team.
Following graduation, he went to Cornell for his MBA and served as the field events coach there until he completed his degree requirements.
