Fred Kelly, born in Charlottetown, PEI, had a profound effect on the sporting community at Acadia University from the moment he arrived at the valley school. The university has had a distinguished record in interscholastic play since 1927 when Kelly first appeared as the Axemen’s leader.

Kelly had tremendous success in directing the Axemen’s track and field squads in intercollegiate meets. From 1928 to 1954, Acadia won the championship eighteen times, and, on six occasions during that span, the championship was not held due to the war years.

Kelly also had great success guiding the English rugby teams, winning the Halifax City League championship six times, the Maritime Intercollegiate championship three times, and the historic McCurdy Cup once. He also initiated an extensive swimming program, instructed gymnastics, assisted in the organization of the famed Acadia Relays, and coached Horton Academy to championships in hockey and rugby.