The Save Oregon Wrestling Foundation sends its condolences to the family and friends of former University of Oregon wrestling coach, Art Keith. Art passed away today, May 16, 2010. He was walking home and collapsed. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. Art was a teacher, coach and author. He wrote two wrestling technique books that have been reprinted several times in the past 35 years. Successful Wrestling – a coaches guide to teaching basic to advanced skills, and Complete Guide to Championship Wrestling.
Art was Oregon’s wrestling coach from 1965 to 1969. He coached Oregon’s first NCAA wrestling Champion, John Miller. He also was the HS coach of OSU national champion Don Conway and Olympian Ron Finley. Art was recently inducted into the Oregon Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for outstanding contributions and service to the sport of wrestling.
To live in hearts we leave behind
Is not to die. ~Thomas Campbell
In Memory
Such tragic news and to only hear about it now. I wrestled for Coach Keith and will remember him always for being there for me when my Grandfather died 2 days before the Washington State Championship in 1990. Even though it was his final year coaching, his only concern was to my well being. I coach now in Colorado and teach the same lessons he taught me. My deepest and most sincere condolences to his family.
God bless you coach and thank you for everything…