08/16/09: WNY Hero Candidate Mark Kelso

Original YNN Buffalo Air Date: 08/16/09
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A former Buffalo Bills safety is mentoring young men on the gridiron.
“I really believe that sports build great character in young people,” said St. Mary’s Alumni Advancement Director Mark Kelso. The East Aurora parent, mentor and coach says he loves sharing his enthusiasm for sports and spirituality with students at Saint Mary’s.
“They learn a lot about teamwork, perseverance, dedication, hard work and here we can infuse a lot of faith into it as well,” Kelson added.
The former Bills safety runs the high school’s alumni advancement office off the field. but on the gridiron, he’s a coach, mentor and father figure.
“He really does some great things for St. Mary’s on the football field and in the academic center. He’s a great coach and he’s just always here for us. Any problems we have he’s always here,” said Senior Henry Fumerelle.
“You develop a different rapport when you can be with them on the athletic field. They put their inhibitions down a little bit. They aren’t worried about class. They’re just out here trying to use the athletic ability they have,” said Kelso.
“He’s an influence with the kids on the football field and the weight room, but more importantly teaching them life skills and how to be a man and a good member of society,” said St. Mary’s Athletic Director Dan Gill.
Coach Kelso says he’s watched boys mature into young men on the field. He’s coached high school football 14 years, the last six at Saint Mary’s. Kelso says grooming tomorrow’s leaders start with today’s life lessons.
“Even if you screw up. The coach will come over and pat you on the back and say ‘hey you screwed up, but that’s all right. You just have to give it another try.’ just like in life. If you screw something up in life you just have to keep going back at it,” added Saint Mary’s senior Alex Elwell