A large group of former and current softball players, along with dozens of well-wishing spectators, turned out at Westerville South High School to honor Coach Jerry Kelbley during a ceremony naming the field after him.
In appreciation of Jerry Kelbley’s contribution as a coach and the impact he has made on the Westerville South High School softball program and community, the Westerville City Schools Board of Education, on August 7, 2017, approved the naming of the softball field at South the “Jerry Kelbley Field.”
That edict came to fruition on Saturday afternoon, April 21, when friends, family members, colleagues and players packed the field for the official naming of Jerry Kelbley Field. From 1982 to 2017, Kelbley’s girls’ softball teams garnered 12 OCC titles, 11 district titles, 5 regional titles and 1 state runner-up title. He was named OCC Coach of the Year 13 times. At the conclusion of the event, which featured remarks by many, the presentation of a plaque, the unveiling of banners, much applause, many hugs, and hundreds of photos, Kelbley told his players to take a lap. And they did.