Kevin Kelly, a longtime voice of high school sports in central Missouri, was presented with the Mal Mayse Distinguished Service Award on Jan. 20 prior to the Jefferson City at Helias Catholic boys varsity basketball game, recognizing a career defined by dedication, professionalism and service to interscholastic athletics.
Kelly is currently in his 48th year of broadcasting local high school sports on KWOS Radio in Jefferson City and has called more than 2,200 games since beginning his career in the late 1970s. His work has made him one of the most recognizable and respected voices in Missouri high school athletics.
After graduating from the University of Missouri School of Journalism in 1978, Kelly began his broadcasting career at KFAL/KKCA Radio in Fulton, where he provided play-by-play for multiple high school football and basketball programs, as well as college basketball coverage. In 1979, he joined KWOS Radio, where he has remained ever since, covering Jefferson City, Helias Catholic, Blair Oaks and Capital City high schools in football and basketball.
Throughout his tenure at KWOS, Kelly has broadcast 23 MSHSAA Football Show-Me Bowl games and covered basketball action from 25 Basketball Show-Me Showdowns, in addition to providing wrestling reports from the MSHSAA Wrestling Championships.
Beyond game coverage, Kelly has hosted the KWOS Coaches Show for more than three decades, further strengthening connections between student-athletes, coaches and communities throughout the region.
Kelly’s impact extends beyond broadcasting. He also served nearly 41 years as Public Relations Director for the Missouri Public Service Commission, retiring in 2024 after a distinguished career in state government.
His excellence has been recognized numerous times, including multiple honors from the Missouri Broadcasters Association and induction into the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2009. Adding to that list of achievements, Kelly will be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in February, further cementing his legacy in Missouri sports history.
A native of Washington, Penn., Kelly grew up in St. Louis and now resides in Jefferson City with his wife, Mary. Together, they have three children and two granddaughters.
The Mal Mayse Distinguished Service Award honors individuals whose lifelong commitment has positively shaped high school activities in Missouri. Kevin Kelly’s career—marked by integrity, passion and service—exemplifies the very spirit of the award.