After serving as the College's head trainer since 1967, Fred Kelley has taken a long-term disability leave effective April 1.
"Fred Kelley certainly has become part of the history of Dartmouth," Athletic Directory Dick Jaeger said. "His enthusiasm, as well as his concern for the well-being of our athletics and his skill at keeping them healthy, will be greatly missed."Kelley also served as coach of the varsity baseball team from 1978 to 1980, after 10 years as freshman and junior varsity coach.
In 1970, with Kelley as assistant coach, the varsity team went to the College World Series.
Kelley said the highlight of his career at Dartmouth was Nov. 1, 1986, his 50th birthday. At halftime of the Yale Bowl, the Big Green marching band - featuring his daughter Kristin '91 - serenaded him with a rendition of "Happy Birthday." Seizing the moment, Kelley jumped up to conduct the band in its impromptu tribute.
A 1961 graduate of Springfield College, Kelley came to Dartmouth after holding a similar position at Virginia Military Institute. He earned his master's degree from the University of Virginia and served three years in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Kelley also served on the athletic therapy staff for the 1980 Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid, NY.
The National Athletic Trainers Association awarded him the 25-year service award in 1987 and honored him for outstanding service in 1988. He was inducted into the association's Hall of Fame in 1989.
Kelley said he takes with him a very strong feeling for the thousands of Big Green athletes he has worked with during his 27 years at the College. "I can honestly say I've enjoyed working with every single one of them."
