Hall of Fame
In Holy Cross track history; there is no greater name than Andy Kelly.
After the 1916 Olympic Games were cancelled, the Inter-Allied Games were held in Paris in its place in 1919. In the 100-yard dash, Kelly finished second to Charlie Paddock, the winner of the 100-yard dash in the 1920 Olympics. During the race, Kelly seemed a sure winner until, unfortunately, he pulled a muscle. He continued to run but the muscle pull allowed Pollack to overtake him and finish first.
In his senior year, Kelly sheered four fifths of a second off the world indoor 300-yard dash during the National Championship Games. His new mark of 31 and two fifths seconds (31.4 seconds as measured today) is more astounding when one thinks of the conditions in those days, without rubberized surfaces, banked corners, starting blocks or spiked shoes.
The lack of formal training and modern equipment didn’t slow Kelly down. He ran the 100-yard dash in 9.8 seconds, and became the New England champion in the 100-yard dash (9.8 seconds) and the 220-yard dash (21.4 seconds). The relay team he anchored shattered the world record with a time of 2:28.4 in the 1,280 yard run at the BAA relays.
