Kelleher, Dr. John C.

Dr. John C. Kelleher – (1990)

 

DR. JOHN C. KELLEHER

This is a story of determination and success.

Weighing only 110 pounds, John C. Kelleher of the 1930s entered the highly competitive ranks of Lorain High School football prospects.

After two years, he tipped 145 and qualified as No. 2 quarterback on the varsity team. He specialized in punting and place-kicking.

The big moments of his gridiron days were not far off.

As a freshman at Notre Dame University, Kelleher’s goal was to become a member of the Fighting Irish. His father, William, starred at Notre Dame when Knute Rockne was a player and involved in the development of the forward pass.

As a junior, John became No. 2 quarterback because of his capabilities with the field goal, punting and kickoffs.

In 1939, he kicked the winning three-pointer against Purdue in the opening game. It was kicked from the 17-yard line at the hash mark which at that time was only 10 yards in from the sideline and the goal posts were three feet narrower than they are today. The ball could not be placed on an artifical tee, but had to be kicked off the ground.

The team captain, John Kelley, gave Kelleher the football as a trophy which he has in his library to this day.

Later in the season, Kelleher’s extra point made the difference between a tie and a victory against Southern Methodist. Notre Dame’s record of 1939 was seven wins, two defeats—losing to Iowa, Big Ten Champion; and Southern California, national champion.

Here he is—The Fighting Irishman, Dr. John Kelleher.