On January 7, 2020, John Kelling was officially named Lock Haven University’s new head football coach.
Kelling, a veteran college coach with a strong defensive background, brought with him nearly 30 years of coaching experience, includ- ing coaching positions at the NCAA Division I,
II and III levels. Most recently, Kelling spent the previous six seasons (2014-2019) at Frostburg State University as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. At Frostburg, he played a key role in guiding the program in its transition from Division III to Division II football. Kelling has led a number of defensive players to honors, including All-American status and his defensive units ranked among the nation’s best.
Things have certainly been interesting for coach since his spring 2020 semester arrival on campus, but he’s eager to toe the sidelines with the Bald Eagles during the 2020-21 year, and he’s hopeful for big things to come from the program.
GET TO KNOW COACH KELLING – –
Bringing with you an all-around solid football experience, tell us what is was like to be named NCAA DII National Defensive Player of the Year?
“It was shocking. It didn’t cross my mind that I would win such an award since my sole focus each day was to improve. It certainly made me have even more appreciation for my teammates and coaches for putting me in that position.”
*Editor’s Note: Kelling enjoyed a stellar collegiate player career, which culminated with him being named the Football Gazette’s Divi- sion II National Defensive Player of the Year
in 1991, his senior season at Minnesota State University, Mankato. That same year, he was named the NCC Most Valuable Defensive Back. Overall, Kelling was a two-time All-American and three-time All-Conference student-athlete.
Who first got you into the sport of foot- ball?
“I guess it would have been my parents who signed me up to play.”
What jersey number did you wear in college and why?
“Number 37, that’s what number was given to me as a freshman walk-on. I never switched it because I never wanted to forget where I started and how I could make my own way.”
When did you know you wanted to be- come a coach?
“Once my NFL career ended because of
the doctors at the NFL combine finding a neck injury, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. My college coach saw something in me and offered me a position on his staff starting as a student- assistant. From there I worked my way through and haven’t missed a season since.”
You’re known for having a strong and intelligent defensive mind, what first got you thinking on the defensive side of the game?
“Playing very little defense in high school, I would have to say it started in college. Right from the beginning my college coaches put
a lot of responsibility on me to make calls and check as a safety. Especially since I was
a freshman there were many hours spent watching film and studying so I could give my teammates the best chance to be successful.”
Who were your role models growing up?
“Charles aka “round mound of rebound” Barkley, just kidding. My parents”
Having so much experience in all lev- els of NCAA football, what was the biggest lesson you have learned throughout these experiences?
“Value people over production. It doesn’t matter the level – my goal has been and always will be to work towards helping those around.
me become the best version of themselves they can be.”
What attracted you to the position here at Lock Haven University?
“The attraction to apply was the location of Lock Haven as a beautiful area to move my family and raise our kids. From a football aspect the challenge of competing and being successful in the highly competitive PSAC. Once going through the interview process it was the people. I enjoyed the conversations as well as the vision and expectations of the President on down.”
Looking at the seasons ahead, what challenges do you face and how do you plan to overcome them?
“Right now, with COVID-19 it is a challenge to build and grow through only virtual aspects. Having only spent a month with the current team there was not a lot of time to create the culture and program we are striving for. As a staff we will continue to be positive and work hard to build relationships with any means necessary, keeping one another focused on our blessings and the great future we have ahead of us.”
What is your vision for Lock Haven Uni- versity football?
“To build young men who strive to get better each day in every aspect of their lives. Sup- port and serve one another in order to become great teammates and form a true brotherhood.”
You have accumulated a solid coaching staff around you, what is the importance of having a staff like yours?
“They are hardworking, loyal and will put these student-athletes above themselves. As a staff we need to model the above vision by also working to improve each day. They are people I trust and will lead with the positive energy expected in this program.”
Every coach has a philosophy, what would you say your coaching philosophy is?
“My philosophy is based on the belief that success is accomplished through a process of adding components of life to accomplish big goals. The following components set a foundation which is strong and durable for long term success.”
Coach Kelling’s Philosophy detailed Positive Attitude: We will succeed! We will wake up each day with the will and the attitude to make this day better than the last
Commitment
Toughness: Mental and Physical Class: Do what’s right, Do your best, Respect Others
Faith & Family
What is your favorite quote?
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharp- ens another. Proverbs 27:17.To date what is your most memorable coaching experience?
“The last game of every season. Embracing and saying goodbye to all my seniors.”
What is your favorite color?
“Bald Eagle Crimson”
When it comes to professional sports teams who do you root for?
“The San Francisco 49ers, I’ve been a fan since growing up as a boy out west and any other team who my former student-athletes are playing for, which currently includes the Buffalo Bills,”
If you had to pick one meal, which would be your favorite?
“Hard to choose one, but there will be hot sauce on it.”
Lock Haven University has many beautiful features, having toured the campus which is your favorite?
“Hubert Jack Stadium.”
The town of Lock Haven has many good places to eat, which is your favorite?
“Too hard to narrow it down. I’ve had great meals at each local establishment I’ve eaten at.”
What would be your dream vacation?
“Must have warmth, water and my family, and wouldn’t hurt to have a private Jimmy Buf- fett concert.”
Outside of football, what are some other ways you spend your time?
“Serving and spending time with my wife and boys. Often this means being active doing sports or outdoor activities along with throwing in some relaxing time on the couch watching our family favorites. Also, playing cards and board games in which, I get yelled at for always winning.”
Thanks for the time coach, Go Bald Eagles!
