Issue date: 4/1/05 Section: Sports

The Hendrix College swimming team was honored this past week when Coach Jim Kelley was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Coach Kelley has been coaching the men's and women's swimming and diving teams for twenty-three years.
When asked what this honor meant to him he said "Considering that I was the only one not an alumni, I feel quite honored and humbled. There are some really good people and to be considered for this honor and considering the people who vote for it I feel very, very honored. Traditionally in the consideration for hall of honors, there is a heavy concentration of alumni because it is there to honor people who had an impact on the program. I feel that hopefully I have had some impact on the swimming program. I have been fortunate because I have had some good support from the administration. I also have been blessed with some superb athletes."
Coach Kelley believes that this honor will not only impact him but also reflect well on Hendrix. "They (student athletes) want to know that they are coming into a good program. The student athletes may not be looking that into depth in the program but they know the anecdotal information and this school is a good way to complement their education."
The Hall of Honor banquet will be held this April 15th at 6:30 p.m. in Hulen Ballroom. Coach Kelley is looking forward to the banquet as an opportunity to "bring my family together, especially my children who are scattered all over the country. This gives me another excuse for getting them together. As far as the Hall of Honor, this is another tribute to the college. It is another way to establish a link to the alumni and gives visibility to alums. We are always looking for a link in relation to commonality in our lives. This is a way for Hendrix to recognize the alums but also a way for alums to recognize Hendrix."

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