by Jason Kelce’s Well-Rounded High School Career
Jason Kelce may be best known today as the All-Pro center for the Philadelphia Eagles, but before finding success in the NFL, he had an impressive high school career at Cleveland Heights High School in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. While Kelce was certainly a standout athlete, excelling in football, hockey, and lacrosse, his high school experience encompassed much more than just sports. Academically driven and creatively inclined, Kelce was able to find a healthy balance between athletics, music, and his studies during his time as a student at Cleveland Heights.
On the football field, Kelce established himself as a two-way star. As a running back, he earned All-Lake Erie League honors twice for his play on offense [Wikipedia]. But he was no one-dimensional player, also finding success on defense as a linebacker. Kelce’s versatility allowed him to make an impact on both sides of the ball. His athletic talents were not limited to just the gridiron either. In the fall and winter, he also suited up for the Cleveland Heights hockey team. And come springtime, he traded in his cleats and skates for a lacrosse stick, adding yet another varsity sport to his high school resume. Kelce’s participation in football, hockey, and lacrosse demonstrated his rare athletic gifts and competitive drive.
While athletically gifted, Kelce was far from a one-dimensional jock during high school. Academically, he found other creative outlets beyond the playing fields. A musically inclined student, Kelce was a member of both the symphonic band and jazz band at Cleveland Heights, playing the baritone saxophone [Wikipedia]. For Kelce, music provided a contrasting creative challenge compared to his sports. It took discipline and skill to learn an instrument and hold down a spot in the school’s top musical ensembles. Band offered Kelce a chance to express himself through a different medium outside of athletics. His involvement in music showed that Kelce sought a well-rounded high school experience, not just accolades on the scoreboard or stat sheet.
In the classroom, Kelce seems to have applied himself as diligently as he did on the football field and in the band room. While no academic records are available from his time at Cleveland Heights, it’s clear Kelce valued education. In later interviews, he has spoken fondly of teachers who made a positive impact on his development, such as his third grade instructor Mr. I, who Kelce says made learning fun and engaging [RevUp Sports]. Mr. I’s creative teaching style clearly left an impression on young Jason and helped foster his enjoyment of school. Teachers like Mr. I no doubt played a role in Kelce’s decision to enroll at the University of Cincinnati after high school graduation to study exercise science on an academic scholarship.
Balancing the demands of athletics, music, and academics required immense time management skills from Kelce during his high school career. It’s a testament to his work ethic and commitment that he was able to thrive across such diverse areas. Football season in the fall didn’t preclude Kelce from marching with the band. Winter hockey practices didn’t interfere with keeping up his grades or spring lacrosse. Somehow, some way, Kelce found a way to do it all at a high level. His well-rounded high school career set the stage for future success at the college and professional levels.
By all accounts, Kelce enjoyed his time as a student at Cleveland Heights High School. In interviews years later, he still speaks fondly of his hometown and upbringing there [Daily Mail]. The close-knit community and school support system no doubt played a role in Kelce’s development. With guidance from teachers like Mr. I and the camaraderie found through various activities, Cleveland Heights provided an environment where Kelce could maximize his potential. The lessons in time management, discipline, and balancing priorities surely served Kelce well when he made the jump to the high-stakes world of Division I football at Cincinnati and eventually the NFL with the Eagles.
While statistics and accolades tell part of the story, they don’t fully capture the essence of Jason Kelce’s high school experience. Beyond just his exploits on the gridiron, ice, and lacrosse field, Kelce packed his schedule with musical commitments and academic pursuits. He found mentors in teachers who sparked his enthusiasm for learning. And he developed as a well-rounded person through involvement in school and community. Kelce’s time at Cleveland Heights established the foundation for future success by cultivating diverse interests, strengthening his work ethic, and teaching vital life skills. It all contributed to molding Kelce into the multi-talented, driven individual who would go on to achieve at the highest levels of college and pro football. His high school career was the starting point for greatness and demonstrated the value of a balanced, well-rounded educational journey.
