1983

Jeff Kelso

Senior QB

Park Hill High School/Parkville (Mo.)

Jeff Kelso was a prolific high school football and baseball player at Park Hill. Although his senior year team finished just 3-7, Kelso passed for 1,402 yards and five TDs. He also rushed for 296 yards and four more scores. As a punter, he averaged more than 38 yards per punt.

After winning the inaugural Simone Award, Kelso went on to play football at the University of Missouri.

After his college football career, Kelso was drafted in the 1988 Major League Baseball June Draft, a ninth-round pick of then California Angels. As a minor league baseball player, Kelso played three seasons in the California Angels organization.

Currently, he co-owns Kelso’s Northtown restaurant in North Kansas City, Mo. He also coaches youth football.

Jeff has continued his involvement with the Simone Awards since its inception. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Simone-Fontana Foundation. He also speaks to high school football teams during each season on the Simone Awards and what they mean to him.

Anthony Simone (left), Jeff Kelso and WDAF-4 TV broadcaster Gordon Docking.	Anthony Simone addresses the Park Hill High School assembly.
Jeff Kelso receives the inaugural Simone Award in 1983.	Jeff Kelso (left) and Anthony Simone.
Jeff Kelso speaks to the Staley High School football team in 2008.