Marathon legend, Boston winner, and cross-country coach John J. Kelley has inspired everyone who's known him and no one has known him like I have By Amby Burfoot PUBLISHED 03/27/2007

If you are lucky in life, you might meet someone who changes everything forever. If you are very lucky, you might meet this person when you are young and lacking direction. If you are very, very lucky, this person might remain an influence for decades to come--a touchstone you can revisit for counsel and wisdom. I was very, very lucky. But I sure didn't see it coming.