During his 30 years as a high school coach and administrator, it would be extremely difficult to find anyone who has made a greater contribution to interscholastic athletics than the late Corky Kell.
As a football coach, Kell’s record was 69 wins, 22 losses, and 1 tie. During that time, his team won many region titles, played in the North Georgia Championship game three times, and played for the state championship in 1973.
Coach Kell was also outstanding as a girls’ basketball coach. He coached girls’ basketball for nine years and qualified for the state tournament in each of those seasons.
During his tenure as coach, Corky was active in several professional organizations. He was a member of the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association, the National High School Athletic Coaches Association, the Touchdown Club of Atlanta, and the Georgia High School Association – Executive Committee.
For his contribution to interscholastic athletics, Kell has received numerous awards. They include being named Who’s Who in National High School Athletics, the National Football Coach of the Year, NIAAA State Award of Merit, the NIAAA Distinguished Service Award, and the Cobb County Citizen of the Year in 1973.
While serving as athletic director for the Cobb County School District, Corky’s influence reached well across county and state lines. He was respected for his passion, commitment, and ability to work with others to get things done. The most substantial tribute to Corky’s respect and accomplishments was the designation of the annual high school kickoff game in the Georgia Dome as the “Corky Kell Classic”.
