Clear Lake - A North Iowa man is getting special recognition for his work getting young athletes ready to tackle life obstacles.
Coach Jeff Kelso has been a part of the Youth Sports Foundation for seven years, starting off as a co-head coach and working his way up to town coordinator in Clear Lake.
He, along with his assistants, teach the basics of tackle football to third through sixth graders.
"I really enjoy just watching the kids from the first day of practice to the end of the season, the development they take," says Kelso.
He oversees 5 teams in the area.
Greg Henn is the regional director for Y-S-F.
"I've got a lot of great coordinators. Jeff is right up there at the top and he really, really deserves this award. Whoever nominated him knows what they are talking about."
He says having a coach like Kelso is an asset to the program.
Kelso is quick to point out, it's not just him.
He says the parents, coaches, volunteers and sponsors all play a big part in the future of these possible high school and college players.
He just hopes the kids have fun while learning some important life lessons along the way.
He says, "I'm huge on sportsmanship. So I'm constantly preaching sportsmanship. There's not just one player on the team. It's the whole team that wins and loses together."
