Mike Kelly’s prowess on the lanes was evident early on. He was a 1964 graduate of the junior bowling program, winning a special junior bowling TV tournament at Hilldale Lanes that same year. Three years later, Kelly became the youngest bowler in the MBA to roll a 300 game on March 1, 1967 at the age of 19. Kelly’s junior traveling league team won multiple championships.
Success on the lanes continued collegiately as a member of the Madison Vocational Technical school team. Kelly led his school to first place in the conference, and to a conference tournament win. Kelly returned to school in the 1980’s, bowling for Madison Area Technical College where he posted the high conference average (215), earned All-State honors, All-Academic team honors, and qualified for Team America tryouts.
Kelly rolled three more perfect games in MBA competition, including the first ever at Dream Lanes. His high single season average was 218 in 1995-96. He took home one City Tournament Title in 1988 in the team event for Home Savings & Loan, and earned a 1980 state doubles championship with a 765.
Born: October 9, 1947
Inducted: August 13, 2015