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Monday, March 3, 2008
Diving Into the Arts
Collin County, TX
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Keith and Taylor Owens share a love of the arts and a passion for McKinney Boyd athletics
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I think there’s a connection between football and music. They share an emotional bond.
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When it comes to Keith and Taylor Owens, what you see isn’t always what you get. The closeness the brother and sister share may seem rare, until you consider their common knack for seeking creative interests away from the field.
On the field, Keith is an All-District honorable mention defensive end. But when the helmet comes off, the sophomore lets down his long rock star hair as a budding musician and writer.
His freshman sister, Taylor, loves the responsibilities of representing Boyd as a cheerleader, but away from the field, she recently turned her tumbling skills into a district diving title. She also has aspirations of being a journalist.
The Owens kids can thank their parents for their close relationship and for exposing them to music and photography. Their mom, Lisa, can be seen on the sidelines of Boyd athletic events photographing the action. Her love for taking photographs has it roots in youth sports.
“My husband, Ronnie, always joked that the kids probably wouldn’t recognize me if I didn’t have a camera up to my face,” Lisa said. “Keith started playing soccer in kindergarten, so I started shooting like any other parent would back then.”
Taylor has followed her mother in taking an interest in journalism as a writer and photographer. She is especially fascinated by photojournalism.
“I like everything about journalism,” Taylor said. “I like studying a topic and learning all about it. And I love taking photos. I’m looking forward to taking more classes and learning more.”
Taylor has already proven to be a quick study from the diving board. When years of competitive cheerleading had taken their toll on her knees, she decided to take up diving at Boyd. Within three months, she had advanced from newcomer to first-place finisher at the District 9-4A meet in February.
“I was so happy. I’ve worked so hard to get better,” Taylor said. “Diving lets me keep all the tumbling skills I’ve learned over the years.”
Keith also is known for diving into new hobbies. He became a self-taught guitarist after listening to Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendrix with his father. He also leans toward the literary arts as one of those rare football players who pick English as their favorite subject in school.
“I enjoy the creative aspects of music and writing,” Keith said. “I especially enjoy writing fiction. It may sound corny, but J.K Rowling is one of my favorite authors.”
Keith and some of his friends are tinkering with the idea of starting a band in the offseason. Keith believes expanding his musical skills can only help him as a football player.
“I think there’s a connection between football and music. They share an emotional bond,” Keith said. “Our fans at football games were so loud this season. Our team felt a real connection with them and the noise they made.”
Keith did not begin playing competitive football until the fifth grade, after enjoying a youth football camp run by former Dallas Cowboy Jay Novacek. He really grew to love the sport while playing for select teams throughout middle school. He’s still pumped up about the Broncos’ turnaround from 0-10 to playoff team in only their second varsity season.
“It was amazing. I am so excited about next season,” said Keith, whose team will move up to Class 5A and share a district with Allen, the Plano schools and Wylie. “I grew up watching Allen and Plano play. We can’t wait to play in 5A.”
Keith would like to mix his creative talents and football when he graduates from Boyd.
“I think I would love to play football at [The University of] North Texas if I’m good enough, and try a double major of music and business,” Keith said. “The chances of making it as a musician are so slim, but I would like to learn about the production side of the business.”
Until then, Keith will remain a big part of each other’s high school experience. Separated by just eleven months, the Owens do more than just share a ride to practice.
“Keith is more than my brother, he’s my best friend,” Taylor said. “He doesn’t look at me as his little freshman sister. He treats me like his best friend.”
Keith doesn’t shy away from expressing his feelings for his sister – even within earshot of his football teammates.
“It’s really cool. I’m very close to my sister. She’s very emotional and as much a friend as my sister,” Keith said. “Having her go to the same school makes it that much more special.”
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| bwilliams - 3:43 pm CST on Thu, Mar 6 | report profanity/abuse |
|  | very good article! |
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