His legacy carries us to this day. From 1925-1970, one name was synonymous with the sport of wrestling. Cliff Keen. During that time, Coach Keen led the University of Michigan wrestling teams to a record of 268 wins, 91 losses, 9 ties and 13 Big Ten championships. Overall, he coached 68 All-Americans as well as 81 Big Ten champions. Cliff Keen also coached the 1948 United States Olympic team and was on the U.S. Olympic Committee for many years. In addition, he served as the first president of the National Wrestling Coaches Association. Cliff also officiated Wrestling and Track & Field. He was one of the officials the day famed athlete Jesse Owens broke 3 World Records in 1935. One of Cliff’s many claims to fame is inventing and developing wrestling’s first ear protection of its kind. A true innovator, Cliff Keen would be proud to see what the company he founded, has become.
"I believe that wrestling plays a highly educational part in the development of a boy. The fundamental that every successful wrestler must acquire, and which has great carry-over value after his student days, is self-discipline. From self-discipline stems self-confidence and belief in one's self. What greater lesson can a sport or a coach impart?"
Wrestling Coach, University of Michigan, 1925-1970.
13 Big Ten Championships
Coach - 1948 Olympic Team
First President, National Wrestling Coaches Association