Inducted August 25, 2001
Fred Keenan, a home-grown Highlander, excelled in sports all his life. After graduating from Highland High School, Fred entered the Air Force, where he had the opportunity to refine his skills in the sport of tennis. He was chosen as a member of the Air Force tennis team, practicing every day and representing the Air Force in tournaments.
After serving in the Air Force, Fred returned to Highland to resume his academic/athletic career at Highland Community College, serving as the team captain and being recognized by the Greater Kansas City Community College Conference as part of the All Conference Tennis Team in 1975. Following his career at HCC, Fred attended Missouri Western State College, where he became the player-coach of the tennis team and was named to the All Conference and District tennis teams.
Following graduation from MWSC, Fred continue his strong belief that participating in games during our youth is a perfect training ground for the game of life. Coaching and athletic director positions in various Missouri high schools enable Fred to develop young people using that philosophy. Fred became Adrian High School's most successful volleyball and basketball coach. He took both teams to State Tournaments in the same year. He also produced a State finalist in football while at Adrian.
A tireless worker, Fred spent hours analyzing the science of games and working to insure that his players would play with respect, intensity, confidence, and to the best of their abilities. The following, from "Games of Life," best defines Fred and those he touched:
As we mature, we realize
Life has no referee
And games are just the proving ground
And LIFE is victory!
We may not score the winning goal
Or shoot a round in scratch.
But if we follow all the rules
We've played a perfect match.
