A noted broadcaster, sportswriter, and publicist, Bob Kelley made his mark at the University of Delaware as the distinctive and knowledgeable “Voice of the Blue Hens” on WILM and WDEL radio broadcasts for 38 football seasons between 1950-87 and for 17 men’s basketball seasons in 1962-79. A native of Yonkers, NY, Kelley came to Delaware as a sportswriter for the Wilmington Morning News and began his broadcasting career covering local high school games before being hired by Dave Nelson in 1950. Nelson often credited Kelley with playing a key role in building the great tradition of Delaware football. He later served as publicity director for Delaware Park (horse racing) for 17 years and was a founding member of the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame. He passed away in 1988 at the age of 60 and was inducted into the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame posthumously in 1989. The Delaware Stadium Press Box is named in his honor. He will be represented at the induction ceremony tonight by his wife, Janice, who resides in Wilmington, DE. |