Drive-By Shooting Claims High School Stand-out

[gwallaia]

Friday, August 13, 2004
Associated Press

RICHMOND, Calif. -- A football star on one of the nation's top high school teams was shot to death two days before he was set to leave his crime-ridden city for the University of Oregon on an athletic scholarship, police said Friday.

Terrance Kelly, 18, was a star linebacker and tight end for Concord's De La Salle High School. He was shot in the driver's seat of his car outside his brother's home around 10:30 p.m. Thursday, according to Richmond Police Sgt. Enos Johnson.

Police found Kelly lying in the street next to his car, shot in the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Johnson said police were investigating and had not yet identified a motive or any suspects.

Kelly was a standout at De La Salle, a school that boasts a 151-game winning streak. He was one of four de la Salle players recruited by the University of Oregon this year; the others were wide receiver Cameron Colvin and cornerbacks Willie Glasper and Jackie Bates.

Kelly had never played in a losing game during his high school career. At De La Salle, he was considered one of the best defensive players in the nation.

De La Salle school officials, students and coaches mourned the death of Kelly, who was remembered for his academic and athletic achievements. The school was set to hold a memorial service for students, family and friends Friday afternoon.

"Terrance was known by all in the De La Salle school community to be a young man who exhibited talent, intelligence and care for others besides himself," said Bruce Shoup, De La Salle's president and chief executive. "He will be remembered as an excellent student, good friend and inspiration for all the boys destined to follow him through school."

Kelly was scheduled to leave for Eugene, Ore., on Saturday. The university's athletic department did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=1858618

 

[WWJD]

That is a sad story.

I have never heard of a 151 game winning streak. That is unbelievable.

 

[V Man]

That is is awful. Really sucks, he is about to go to college and make a change in his life for the better, and have it taken from him and his family.

 

[LonghornBabe]

that is so sad. I will keep his family and friends in my thoughts and prayers.....

 

[BradK10]

I copied this from another board, this is tragic.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This essay, titled "Personal Circumstances," was submitted by Terrance Kelly as part of his application for admission to the University of Oregon.

It was read at his memorial service and released Wednesday with the permission of his family.
"Personal Circumstances"

"Throughout my life I have been faced with several challenges, which could have potentially disrupted my education. Luckily, I have developed the necessary skills to confront and overcome these circumstances. One of the circumstances that I have had to overcome was to stay focused in an environment which has not always been conducive in obtaining a solid education.

"Many people imagine the life of a teenager as being carefree and simple, but that is not the case in the city I live in. While growing up in Richmond, California, there have been a lot of distractions. For example, the murder rate of young African Americans in the city is very high, drugs are rampant in the community, not very many of the youth in the community understand the importance of an education, much less if they live or die.

"Many youth place more importance on being in a gang than an education. A large number of the youth don't even graduate from high school. They either drop out, go to jail, or unfortunately get murdered. Something so simple as sitting down doing your homework can be a challenge. While trying to study I have often had to contend with hearing gunshots and ambulance or police cars racing up and down the streets. The library is just a shelter for the homeless and a baby-sitter for young children waiting until their parents get off work.

"Through all of this I have established high expectations and standards for myself. I am determined not to end up like so many of my peers. I have a strong sense of purpose and direction in my life. I am motivated to strive to be the best person I can be, with the understanding that a solid education can lead to self-improvement as well as social and economic empowerment."

 

[gwallaia]

Thanks for posting that Brad. What a sad and tragic irony. God willing, this tragedy will open people's eyes and prevent the next one from happening.

 

[MarleyFan]

Theres an article about De La Salle High School's football program and a piece about Terrance Kelly (the kid that was murdered) in the latest Sports lllustrated!

 

[TITAN83]

I have known about De la Salle for several years now whats more amazing is it's not a public school and plays like that.

And about the student Very sad in fact where I live a Running back of my favorite college team the Utah Utes was best friends with him He got home from a Ute Practice and found his phone had several messages.
He said he almost gave up football...I feel bad for all of Kelly's family and Friends.

 

[StarStruck]

My condolences are extended to Terrance Kelly's family, friends and associates. The tragedy is sad and it is unimaginable what those in his circle must be experiencing.

DeLaSalle does have a reputation for excellence in athletics. I had read about their football program, and have seen their basketball team play. They don't have the winning streak of the football team, but they have been nationally ranked and well known in the basketball circles. They played in the Academy tournament in Houston in 02' I believe. They lost to Oak Hill (Carmllo Anthony was on the team), but I have never seen such defense in my life. Absolutely boring for someone looking for excitement, but at the same time changing the whole structure of play for opponents.

 

[BradK10]

I have known about De la Salle for several years now whats more amazing is it's not a public school and plays like that.

Do some research, the fact that they're a private school means nothing. Everywhere but the state of Texas and Florida, the powerhouses are the Private schools. And now that Strake Jesuit is allowed to play with public schools this year in Houston, looks like the similar downward spiral of public school football like in California, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania is in the future.