TWU Announces Addition of Bass Fishing; Keen Hired to Lead Program

ATHENS, Tenn.- Tennessee Wesleyan University Athletics is excited to announce the establishment of its first-ever collegiate bass fishing team. This new program offers students a unique opportunity to represent TWU in one of the fastest-growing collegiate sports in the country.

Heading this new venture is Michael Keen, a seasoned professional in the world of collegiate fishing and sports administration. Keen brings with him over a decade of experience, having previously served as the head coach at Bryan College in Dayton, Tenn., where he built a powerhouse fishing team that consistently earned national championship spots and top-10 finishes. His leadership and strategic approach to coaching have made him a respected figure in the collegiate fishing community.

Keen's background in sports administration also stands out. Between 2019 and 2021, he took on the role of Athletic Director at Bryan College, overseeing multiple sports programs at the NAIA level and serving on the President's Cabinet. This experience makes him uniquely qualified to develop Tennessee Wesleyan's bass fishing program, from recruiting talent to fostering a winning culture.

"Starting a collegiate program from scratch is a challenge I'm excited to take on," said Keen. "I look forward to building a team of dedicated and passionate anglers who will represent Tennessee Wesleyan with pride and sportsmanship. There's a lot of talent in this region, and I believe we can compete at the highest level."

Donny Mayfield, Vice President and Director of Athletics at TWU, shared his enthusiasm for the program's launch, stating, "We are thrilled to add bass fishing to our athletic offerings at Tennessee Wesleyan. With Michael Keen's proven track record and leadership experience, we are confident that this program will not only compete at the national level but will also enhance our student-athlete experience in meaningful ways."

The bass fishing team at TWU will be an integral part of the university's athletic department, with student-athletes expected to compete in various collegiate fishing tournaments across the country. Keen's experience in recruitment will be invaluable as he seeks to bring in students who are not only talented anglers but also committed to academic success and community involvement.

Tennessee Wesleyan University is excited to see the growth of its new bass fishing team under Coach Keen's leadership and looks forward to the success that this program will bring to the TWU community.