Class of 1998

Billy Kelly

Oak Lawn Richards

 

Billy Kelly began his wrestling career at Richards High School where he was coached by Hall of Famer Tom Heniff. During his high school career, Billy had a 138-4 record and won his last 75 matches. He placed 4th, 3rd and was twice Champion in the IHSA High School Wrestling Championships. Billy's many accomplishments include being a 3 time Palatine Champion, 4 times Conference Champion, 4 times District Champion and 4 times Sectional Champion.  In 1981 Billy was named a High School All American.

In 1978 Billy was the USA Junior National Greco Roman Champion, placed 3rd in the Chicago Open and in 1979 placed 6th in the World Juniors in Mongolia.  He was also a member of the Illinois Exchange Team in 1978. Billy, an alumnus of IKWF, placed 4th, 3rd, 1st and 2nd.

At the collegiate level Billy competed at Iowa State University where he placed 2nd, 4th and twice was Champion in the Big 8 Conference. He won the NCAA National Championship Division I in 19.87 by pinning the defending Champion in the Finals.  Billy also placed 1st, 4th and 1st in the Omaha Open; 2nd, 4th and 1st in the Midwest Open; 1st at the Las Vegas Invitational and 3rd, 3rd, and 1st at the Northern Open.  He wrestled in the All Star Meet, losing in 1986 and winning in 1987.

Billy's wrestling career motivated him to a coaching career. He began his career at Argo High School as an assistant coach, and then went on to Marist High School where he was an assistant coach for 2 years.  He was a head coach at De LaSalle High School for 2 years, where he was named Co-Coach of the Year in the Catholic League, and is presently in his 5th year as Head Coach at East Chicago Central high School in Indiana where he has coached 2 place winners in the US High School Championships.

Recently Billy has been recognized by the IKWF as a Distinguished Alumnus and has been the Grand Marshall at the IKWF State Championship.