Keith Payne, cross country and indoor track and field coach and assistant outdoor track and field coach in Swain County, died Saturday.
“It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you of the passing of a valued employee, Keith Payne, on Saturday afternoon,” Swain County Schools Superintendent Mark Sale said in a news release Sunday. “Keith was a valued member of the Swain County Schools family and a beloved coach and community member. We ask that you keep Keith’s family in your thoughts. Coaches and counseling staff have met with the current members of the cross country team and will be available to anyone who needs additional support over the next few days.”
School officials added that Swain County Middle School and Swain County High School staff are invited to meet at 7 a.m. Monday before school starts in the Swain Middle School and Swain High Media Center to work together to process the loss.
A crisis and counseling team is available to employees and students throughout the week.
Payne has coached the Maroon Devils since 2019 and has helped them become a strong program in girls cross country and track and field in North Carolina. Swain County has won three consecutive NCHSAA 1A state titles in girls cross country. Payne has also helped the girls indoor track and field team win three consecutive NCHSAA 1A/2A state championships. He also helped the outdoor track and field team win four consecutive girls state championships and the boys state championship last season.
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Payne previously coached Andrews and Murphy.
“On behalf of Andrews Athletics, we would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of Coach Keith Payne,” Andrew Athletics posted on its Facebook page. “Coach Payne impacted so many lives, not only in our community, but throughout the Smoky Mountain Conference footprint. He coached his athletes, whether in Andrews, Murphy or Swain County, in a way that gave each and every one of them the opportunity to succeed, while also helping anyone else who might need his help. Please keep in your prayers all of the athletes he coached at that time, as well as those he impacted throughout his life.”
“MHS was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Coach Keith Payne,” Murphy High School wrote. “As a dedicated teacher and track and field coach, he had a lasting impact on so many lives. His passion for education and athletics inspired students to strive for excellence both on and off the track. Coach Payne’s legacy will live on in the countless people he mentored and encouraged. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with each student-athlete and Coach Payne’s family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the precious memories each of you shared with him and in the knowledge that his influence will resonate for years to come.”
Smoky Mountain and Cherokee also expressed their condolences on Facebook.
Zachary Huber is a high school sports reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times and Hendersonville Times-News. Email him at [email protected] or follow him on X @zacharyahuber. Please support this kind of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times and Times-News.