Keegan Malone Captures Bob Brush Award

Keegan Malone was one of the players that carried the Huntington varsity football team into the playoffs last fall. The 6’3, 225 lb. senior played superbly at tight end and linebacker and provided leadership as one of the Blue Devils’ captains.

Malone’s contributions to the successful season weren’t lost on his coaches. The teenager was presented with the Bob Brush Courage Award by varsity assistant coach Malcolm Eugene at the annual Blue Devil football team dinner at the Halesite Fire Department.

The Bob Brush Courage Award is presented annually to the Blue Devil player “who reflects the spirit of Coach Brush, possessing strength in the face of adversity; courage in the face of peril and the willingness to stand up for their beliefs, regardless of the cost.”

“In only his second year of playing football, Keegan became one of the driving forces that led throughout the preseason, regular season and post season,” head coach Ron Wilson said. “I wish we had more like him. Great young man that gave his all even though he was hurt practically the entire season. But, like Coach Brush, he never wavered. He fought the good fight!”

Born in Huntington on April 12, 1942, Robert Page Brush lived life to the fullest. He starred on the Blue Devil football and baseball teams, garnering All-County honors in both. He later coached the two sports at Huntington and was a member of the Class of 1960. An avid sports fan, he attended Denver University on full baseball and football scholarships. He went on to play professional baseball for the Frisco Giants in California.

Stricken by cancer and following a valiant battle, Mr. Brush peacefully passed away at his home in Genoa, Colorado on November 25, 2018. He left behind his wife of 45 years, Donna and sons Sam and Page as well as his twin brother, Dick, brother Johnny and sister Mary Ann. He will always be remembered by his family and an incredible circle of friends and professional colleagues.

A six year veteran of the US Army reserves, Mr. Brush began his teaching career at Kearney Jr. High School in Commerce City, Colorado. He returned to Long Island where he taught at J. Taylor Finley Junior High School and Huntington High School for over 30 years.

Mr. Brush had an enormous impact on the students he taught, the athletes he coached, and the colleagues he worked with, many of which became his lifelong friends.

Following his retirement from Huntington UFSD, Mr. Brush returned to Colorado where he treasured his home in Genoa. He was especially known for his passion for life; whether it be on the water or in the mountains, on the golf course or his ranch.  He welcomed every new adventure with exuberance and excitement.  He lived his life to the fullest every single day.  His unique sense of humor will always be remembered.

A colorful character around Huntington, Mr. Brush even saved a swimmer’s life one afternoon at Robert Moses State Park.