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Indiana honors former student-athlete killed in ISIS attack

Indiana University has honored Charles Keating, a former student-athlete at the school who died earlier this week in Iraq. Keating, who became a SEAL after leaving Indiana, died when ISIS forces overran a Kurdish stronghold in northern Iraq.

Keating attended IU from 2004 to 2006, where he competed on both the track and field and cross country teams. He was part of the 2004-05 track and field team that placed second in the Big Ten in both indoor and outdoor seasons, according to the university. Keating's father, Charles Keating III, was a three-time Big Ten swimming champion and an Olympian in 1976.

"When Charlie left IU to enlist and try to become a SEAL, I don't think it really surprised any of us," said Robert Chapman, professor of kinesiology at IU Bloomington, who was Keating's cross country coach. "You could tell he was a guy who wanted to be the best and find out what he was made of, and serving as special operations forces for his country embodied that."

Keating's teammate Stephen Haas provided a more personal statement. "I'm sure you are going to hear a lot about what a badass Navy SEAL Charlie was, and I'm sure he was the baddest," Has said. "I think me and my teammates at IU will always remember him for being the most likable guy in the room with the biggest smile. Charlie was such a nice guy and everyone loved being around him. He was such a goof with no worries in the world. I don't think I ever saw him upset. He loved having a good time and his attitude was contagious. I've been in touch with most of my teammates at IU and some of Charlie's best friends. Everyone is devastated. He was really loved and will be greatly missed. I know we all feel so lucky to have spent so much time with him while in such a great time of our lives at IU."

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Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports and the author of EARNHARDT NATION. Contact him at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter or on Facebook.