By Kevin Eickman
Kelly Racz will be inducted into the MHS Hall of FameIn a year that has taken an unexpected and emotional turn, The Milford 12th Man Gridiron Club will be enshrining five honorees into their Hall of Fame, rather than the usual four. The fifth inductee, Kelly Racz, was originally slated to join the Hall in 2023 but faced serious medical challenges that threatened not only his attendance at the ceremony but his ability to ever enjoy the honor. One year later, after enduring multiple medical procedures and setbacks, Racz is eagerly anticipating his night in the spotlight.
Reflecting on his journey, Racz shared, “It has been a battle without a doubt. There have been difficult moments over the last year, but I won’t give up. This is quite an honor, and I may have to use a walker to get on the field, but I’m going to be there.”
The Racz family
A 1987 graduate of Milford, Racz made his mark on the football field as a force on both the offensive and defensive lines. In his senior season, he earned 1st Team All-Conference honors and was named to the 3rd Team All-State, along with being selected as The Offensive Lineman of The Year. However, Racz insists that the accolades, while appreciated, were secondary to the camaraderie he experienced.
“Getting the awards and accolades were very nice, but being part of the team, that was the highest honor. We were a very close group who always looked out for each other, when I look back at playing football in high school, that is what I remember the most,” Racz recalled.
Former Milford coach Jack Simon echoed this sentiment, offering high praise for Racz’s work ethic and determination.
“He was such a hard worker. Anyone that plays football has to put in the work, but he went above and beyond when it came to football. He was so teachable and was always looking to improve. I have to say I have rarely seen a player put in so much work to make themselves a better player and person,” Simon said.
Racz’s time as a Blue-Gold participant also left a lasting impact on him, particularly his relationship with his buddy Sam.
“It was really an honor to be selected, but it was so much more special to meet Sam. I loved spending time with him, fishing, talking, or just laughing,” Racz shared. His father, Eugene, played a significant role in shaping Racz’s life and career.
“He was always there to support me, driving me to practice, teaching me life lessons, and instilling in me a work ethic that really made a difference in my life. I honestly don’t know how things would have turned out without him in my life,” Racz reflected.
After high school, Racz attended the University of Delaware, where he played football for one season before making the difficult decision to step away from the sport.
Racz has overcome obstacles over the years and is excited to receive this honor
“It hurt, but it was the best thing for me and my studies. I was undersized and I had the self-realization that football wasn’t for me. I don’t regret it, I knew what was best for me and stepping away from the field was the right thing to do. It helped me focus more on my academics and earn my degree,” Racz explained.
With his degree in hand, Racz chose to take the reins of the family business, Kelly’s Outdoors Hunting and Fishing, which he has been running for 37 years.
“I have been very lucky to be able to do what has been a labor of love. I enjoy meeting with and conversing with customers and talking about the outdoors that we all love so much. It has given me so many opportunities to travel and experience so many things that most people only dream about. I wouldn’t be here without the work ethic and discipline I learned in high school. I am truly blessed,” Racz stated.
Racz currently resides in Lewes, Delaware, with his wife Jill. The couple has two children: Emily, who is attending Bentley University, and Andrew, who will be starting at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University this fall. As Racz prepares to take his place in the Milford Hall of Fame, his story serves as a testament to resilience, dedication, and the enduring spirit that defines both his life and career.
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