By Tyler Maheu, Staff Sportswriter
“I like to go fast.” A local legend will participate in next month’s fourth Annual Uphill Challenge with an exciting new title — captain.
Keegan Moriarty, 45, is something of a celebrity in Woodstock. “He has developed quite a reputation,” said his mother, Carol.
Moriarty, who has Down syndrome, has spent much of his life as a topic of conversation. He made history in town as one of the first individuals with a disability to be integrated into Woodstock Elementary through the Early Essential Education program. At the time, according to his parents, he was one of the first in the state of Vermont.
Then, in high school, Moriarty followed a passion for football and became the Wasps’ 12th man. Upon graduating, he transitioned to a coach on the team, serving as the “Get Back Coach.” “I like the team, the players, the guys, Coach Ramsey,” he said. “I like the games more than practice.”
“He’s always loved sports from an early age,” said Keegan’s father, Mike. “He has done a lot through the Special Olympics.” Moriarty first learned to ski when his mother took him to Woodstock’s Ski Runners program. Since then, he has skied both for fun and competition. He has been a member of both the Upper Valley Hawks and Rutland Eagles ski squads. “It is fun,” said Moriarty when asked what draws him to skiing. “I like to ski with Dail [Frates]. I ski with the Hawks. I like to be on their team.”
In addition to these teams, Moriarty has participated in Special Olympics events in Quechee, and he practices with Vermont Adaptive at Saskadena Six. “He’s won gold medals,” said his mom. “But his big thing isn’t winning gold anymore. He likes getting together with his friends.”
According to his dad, while Moriarty may miss the Special Olympics 2026 Winter Games in Wilmington due to family obligations, he will be taking part in the upcoming Uphill Challenge. The event, held at the Quechee Ski Hill in Hartford, is a fundraiser with proceeds benefiting adaptive ski programs such as Fall Mountain Special Olympics, Upper Valley Special Olympics Hawks, and Zack’s Place in Woodstock.
Zack’s Place is near and dear to Moriarty, as he spends a large portion of his time there. “Zack’s Place is a nice place,” Moriarty said. “My friends are there.” Beth Robinson, the center’s executive director, speaks highly of the Special Olympian whom she has known for 20 years. “He’s like the Mayor,” she said. “He has a big smile, everyone knows him. It’s so wonderful to be around him.”
These sentiments were echoed by Zack’s Place administrative director, Holly O’Brien. “He’s just a great kid, very happy,” she said. “I’ve known him a long time; he exudes positivity.”
At next month’s Uphill Battle, Moriarty will serve as captain, a role he is taking very seriously. “I’m excited,” he said. As part of his duties, he will be tasked with leading warm-ups for the event’s participants. “I will get them excited and ready; they will stretch,” he added.
The honor is the next in a lifetime full of them. “Keegan’s taken advantage of every opportunity presented to him,” said Mike Moriarty.
Keegan Moriarty will lead the way for the fourth annual Uphill Challenge on Saturday, March 7, at 3 p.m.
