Jim Keen

James C. "Jim" Keen, son of legendary wrestling coach Cliff Keen, has carried forward his father's legacy as a key innovator in athletic gear and the driving force behind Cliff Keen Athletic's continued success. Born on September 9, 1941, Jim grew up immersed in wrestling, achieving personal excellence on the mat before transitioning to invention and leadership. His life reflects a seamless blend of competitive spirit, family tradition, and forward-thinking design, ensuring the company's enduring impact on the sport.

Early Life and Wrestling Achievements

Raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, amid the Wolverines' wrestling dynasty, Jim Keen was destined for the mat. Coached by his father at the University of Michigan, he excelled as a varsity wrestler from 1960 to 1962. Competing at 157 pounds, Jim captured the Big Ten Conference championship in 1961, showcasing his technical prowess and determination. That same year, he advanced to the NCAA Championships, finishing as runner-up and earning All-American honors—a testament to his skill in one of the nation's toughest weight classes. His collegiate success not only honored the family name but provided invaluable insights into the physical demands and injury risks of wrestling, fueling his later innovation.

Co-Founding and Leading Cliff Keen Athletic

In 1958, while still a student-athlete, Jim collaborated with his father to establish Cliff Keen Wrestling Products, Inc. (now Cliff Keen Athletic), initially to commercialize Cliff's patented headgear. After Cliff's death in 1991, Jim assumed greater leadership, guiding the company through expansion while maintaining its focus on wrestler safety. Under his direction, the brand grew into a global supplier of headgear, singlets, and apparel, emphasizing quality and accessibility.

Jim's son, Tom Keen—Cliff's grandson—now serves as president, representing the third generation of family involvement. Tom, who also wrestled for Michigan, upholds the legacy, serving on the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Board and ensuring the company's innovations align with modern wrestling needs.

Continued Innovation: Patents and Recent Products

Even after Cliff's passing, Jim Keen continued patenting advancements, building on the original designs to address evolving safety concerns like impact absorption, ventilation, and comfort. Key post-1991 patents include:

• US6564395B2 (granted 2003, filed 2001): "Wrestler Headgear," a utility patent for a lightweight, adjustable design with enhanced foam padding and strap systems for secure fit and reduced slippage. This influenced models like the Cliff Keen Signature Headgear, a bestseller featuring VNF foam and PowerTab straps, trusted by 9/10 NCAA champions for superior ear and head protection.

• US6782558B1 (granted 2004, filed 2002): "Lightweight Wrestler Headgear," focusing on reduced weight with energy-absorbing shells and ventilation—key to the F5 Tornado Headgear (introduced 2006), which is 43% lighter, uses NASA-inspired airflow, and includes Greater Audible Sound technology

These patents drove recent innovations, such as the Fusion Headgear (hybrid of Signature and Tornado) and customizable options with antimicrobial treatments. Jim's work emphasized practical enhancements, ensuring products like the E58 Signature remain staples in wrestling safety.

Legacy and Honors

Jim Keen's stewardship preserved Cliff Keen Athletic as a family-run powerhouse, with the company sponsoring events like the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. He received the Order of Merit from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2004 and served as Chairman of its Board of Governors, further cementing his influence. Jim Keen passed away on November 24, 2020, at age 79, leaving a family and company dedicated to his vision.

James C. Keen's life—from Big Ten champion and All-American wrestler to innovative leader—embodies generational dedication. His post-1991 advancements not only sustained the family business but elevated wrestling safety, inspiring athletes with gear that's as tough as the sport itself.