This is the first of a series of interviews of outstanding Principia athletes from the past. As we continue to gather and digitize historical Principia athletic statistics, the outstanding achievements of past athletes will find context within those stats compiled in the computer age.
Howard Kelsey's  list of accomplishments is extensive and worldwide – more than can be listed here - but here are a few highlights. Kelsey was a member of Canada's National Basketball team for 11 years, earning a 4th place finish in the Los Angeles Olympic Games among other accomplishments. He was recently inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame for his contribution to the sport in Canada.
Kelsey also played professionally for Leones Negroes in Guadalajara, Mexico where he averaged over 29 career points per game. Kelsey was a two-year letterman at Oklahoma State and came to play at Principia College during the years of 1977-1979. Kelsey set several records while at Principia that are made more impressive knowing the era he played in, one that predated the introduction of the three-point line. During the 1977-78 season, he was the nation's third leading scorer at 29.2 points per game (Principia Record) and his overall career average (1977/78-1978/79) was 25.1ppg.
This interview with Kelsey focused on his time at the college and on what it was like for him to transfer from a big NCAA Division I college to Division III. The video highlights just a few clips from the hour-long interview. But below are a few other questions that were asked.Â
How did your experience as a student athlete at Principia College prepare you for your career? "On several levels. Athletically: I arrived in my Junior year being accustomed to intense competition and intense / demanding coaching at a Division I school, plus facing plenty of elite-level challenges via Team Canada. A smaller college can allow for more confidence building and enables one to also shine - if they have established strong fundamentals and a great work ethic. Mentally / spiritually: It was a 'haven' to help forge already developing Christian principles and strong fundamentals within a very supportive environment. Â
You have experienced success in basketball at so many different levels: as a player, a coach, and an administrator. Would you say there are unique characteristics in your game or style of play that allowed you to be successful? "Relentless dedication and being able to 'envision' and then doggedly forge / carve a reasonable path to success – regardless of how unfavorable the odds of success may have seemed at the time."
Are there any specific experiences that helped you figure that out? "A lot of 'blood, sweat and tears' leading to spiritual growth and spiritual / emotional torque: 'Baby steps' coupled with a few key performances in big games. A quote I use is 'Eyes on the prize' – Dr, King."
For more information on Howard Kelsey and his induction into the Canadian Basketball Hall of fame please visit these links:Â
https://www.nsnews.com/local-sports/former-bc-star-inducted-into-canadian-basketball-hall-of-fame-3098307
http://canadaonefoundation.com/howard-kelsey/
