William Leland Kelley

Attended KSU to play baseball (1968-1970), transferred to New Mexico Highlands for baseball (1970-1972) Completed eligibility and returned to earn my bachelor's degree from Wichita State. Signed professional contract with San Francisco Giants in 1973. Completed degree in 1974. Applied for graduate teaching/coaching assistant position at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, Colorado. Spent 1 year working on master's in educational leadership. In 1975 left for Holland to play baseball for a Dutch team with Doug Morton, 1967 graduate of North. Spent two years in Holland. Before returning to Holland in 1977 married Barbara Crelly and we spent the year in Holland before returning to Derby to begin my teaching career. Completed my master's degree in 1979. Spent time at Derby, Bishop Carroll, and Goddard as a teacher and administrator. Earned my doctorate degree in educational leadership in the spring of 2011 from WSU. Served as principal at Goddard HS and Eisenhower HS for 5 years each respectfully. Spent 41 years in education and retired in 2016. Since that time Barb and I have been watching our two grandsons and enjoying their company.

North HS was a good foundation for what my future would hold for me. I had great relationships with coaches and staff and really feel that they set the tone for me to become a successful educator and administrator. I still look back on our successes at North in football and baseball during my three years at North. A state championship in baseball during my sophomore year and then success during our next two years in football and baseball. Several of my coaches served as positive mentors and role models for my life and I will never forget them.
Recently, I was inducted into the North HS Hall of Fame in Education and Business. Certainly and proud moment and experience for me and for my family.