Anderson University - Kelly Steps Down as Wrestling Head Coach
ANDERSON, S.C. – After 15 seasons at the helm of the Anderson University wrestling program, head coach Dock Kelly has stepped down to the become to the first-ever wrestling coach at Lourdes University in Sylvania, Ohio, announced by Director of Athletics Bill D’Andrea on Monday.
“This has been an incredible 15 and a half year experience,” Kelly said. “We achieved every goal that we set out to accomplish. I am grateful to every student-athlete that I was blessed to coach along this journey. I am especially grateful to (former athletic director) Mr. Bobby Beville, who granted me the chance of a lifetime to launch my collegiate coaching career by hiring me. He not only hired me, but he provided me with the necessary resources to be successful that allowed me to compete annually for national championships. My time here at Anderson University has prepared me for the next challenge that awaits me in Ohio. I look forward to this next chapter in my coaching career.”
Named the AU wrestling coach in June 2000, Kelly has led two Trojans to individual national titles, capped off by JJ Jackson’s 2010 national title at 157 pounds. Before Jackson, Careef Roberson won a national title at 174 pounds in 2005 to bring home AU’s first NCAA National Championship in any sport. Most recently, Kelly saw former standout Sean Turner place second at 157 pounds at the 2015 NCAA Championships, as Turner became the fourth All-American in program history. In addition to the All- Americans, Kelly guided 17 Trojans to the NCAA Championships, including current senior Zak Hale a season ago.
Away from the mat, Kelly placed 12 wrestlers on the Division II Wrestling Coaches Academic All-America list during his tenure, as Turner and Daniel Telhada headlined the list a season ago. Both Turner and Telhada are currently on the coaching staff at Anderson. In 2009, Kelly’s Anthony DiCarlo was the recipient of the NCAA, NCAA Division II and Conference Carolinas Sportsmanship Award.
During his time at AU, Kelly has been active with the local school districts giving motivational speeches to students across the Upstate. Most recently, Kelly spent time at Pendleton Elementary where Kelly spoke on preventing bullying in schools. Also during the offseason, Kelly and his team volunteer at the third annual Father and Son Day at the Anderson Recreation Center. Kelly also spent some time as an adjunct professor within the Kinesiology program.
Prior to coming to Electric City, Kelly was the Assistant Coach at his alma mater, UNC Greensboro, from 1996 to 2000. At UNCG, Kelly sent 15 Spartans to the NCAA Division I Championships and claimed a Southern Conference title in 1998.
Kelly is a member of the Chowan College Hall of Fame (2008), UNCG Hall of Fame (2006), Pinecrest High School Hall of Fame (1999), NCAA Hall of Champions (2000) and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (1997). As a collegiate wrestler, Kelly earned a spot in the Division I National Championships in 1996.
Currently, Kelly is a member of the National Wrestling Coaches Association and served at the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Conference in 2008.
“Dock has been a staple and leader in this athletic department,” D’Andrea said. “I am extremely grateful for Dock and his contributions and commitment to the Anderson wrestling program. He will be missed on campus and I wish him the very best in all of his future endeavors.”
With Kelly’s departure, D’Andrea has promoted Assistant Coach JJ Jackson as the team’s head coach for the remainder of the season. Jackson joined Kelly’s coaching in December of 2010.
“Coach Jackson is the perfect person to lead the Anderson University wrestling program,” Kelly said. “He is not only an accomplished wrestler, but he has developed into one of the best up-and-coming coaches in collegiate wrestling.”
Lourdes announced the addition of the wrestling program on Oct. 19, 2015 and will begin its first season next November. With the addition of wrestling, Lourdes, a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), will boast 21 varsity sports.
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Brandon McGinnis Assistant Sports Information Director at Anderson University (Men's & Women's Soccer, Women's Basketball, Wrestling, Baseball and Men's & Women's Tennis)