Carroll College Athletics

After setting scoring records with Helena Cathedral High basketball, Pat Kelly received an appointment to West Point, but chose instead to hoops for Carroll College. A four-year letterman and three-year starter, he garnered a pair of All-Conference selections in 1950-51 at his post position. In 1950, Pat was the team’s second-leading scorer, and set the school record for points in a game, pouring in 28 counters in the 80-78 overtime win over Northern. 

His senior year, the 6’2” Kelly led the 1951 Saints with 375 points and a 17.85 scoring average, both of which were also program marks. He was the team’s high scorer in 16 of 21 games, tallying 20-plus points six times. Kelly tied his CC standard for game points, with 28 counters against Eastern, this time in regulation. He also earned four letters in track & field, in the high jump. Coach John Gagliardi often referred to Pat Kelly – who earned Carroll’s 1951 Maxima Cum Laude title – as one of his “brain trusters.”