Austin Peay State University Athletics

Men's Basketball
Inducted 1982-82

The Flemingsburg, Kentucky native, was head coach of the Austin Peay basketball teams from 1971-1977. Kelly and the Governor basketball teams brought Austin Peay national attention during the days of “Peaymania” basketball. At the time Kelly had the best record in Austin Peay baseketball history, with his teams winning the OVC championship in 1972-73, after being picked to finish last in the conference. That team went on to the sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament before losing to Kentucky in overtime. 1973-74, Kelly again led the Governors to a co-championship in the OVC, losing to Norte Dame in the NCAA tournament. Kelly ended his Austin Peay coaching career in 1977, before coaching at Oral Roberts University for two years. Kelly coached for several years at Clark County High School, in Winchester, Kent., near his birthplace of Flemingsburg.