Coach / Contributor Mike Kelly is one of those rare individuals that leaves and indelible mark on everyone he meets. Even during sometimes contentious discussions at the scorer's table, tense moments just before weigh-ins at a national event, or serious meeting - you could always count on Mike's sense of humor leaving and impact on you! Mike was an educator at Manatee High School, where he served as a Football and Wrestling Coach; however, Mike is best known for his work as an FHSAA, USA Wrestling and FILA Wrestling Official. Mike was an FHSAA Wrestling Official from 1983-2005, serving as his local association's President, and working numerous District, Region and State Championship Tournaments. But it was as FILA and USA Wrestling Official, where Mike truly left his mark on the sport. He was a tremendous mentor to younger officials and helped develop the current weigh in procedures for USA Wrestling events. Among his many achievements, Mike received the Phil Portuse Award, which is annually given to the official who "goes beyond the normal to teach young people how to officiate" and is presented in recognition of outstanding leadership and contributions to the training of new officials and development of young athletes. Mike attained the highest ranking an official can achieve, as a FILA M1E, working the 1988 Olympic Trials in Iowa City, multiple World Team Trials, over 40 National and 30 Regional tournaments, and served as the National Weigh Master for USA Wrestling. He also was an official at the 1999 Pan-American Games in Winnipeg, Ontario, Canada; and was the Weigh-master at the 1995 World Championships in Atlanta, 2003 World Championships in New York, and the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. As a friend once said of him: "Mike left us far too soon, but his spirit, humor, and commitment to wrestling will be with us forever"! His family includes wife Belinda, and son's John and Jason (deceased)