U of Pennsylvania next stop for Howell’s Hand
BY TIM MORRIS
Staff Writer

CHRIS KELLY staff Kellee Hand’s personal accolades have earned her an Ivy League education, as the talented Rebel harrier will continue her running career at the University of Pennsylvania next year.

When Kellee Hand runs at the Penn Relays next April, it will be on her future home track.

The Howell High School cross country and track star will continue her running career at the University of Pennsylvania, which hosts the Penn Relays at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, Pa.

Penn put out the red carpet for Hand during her official visit, being greeted by former Shore area stars she competed against like Jen Blank (Toms River East) and Tina Morrison (Middletown South) who are currently running for the university.

“They really welcomed me,” said Hand. “I got to see a lot of Philadelphia. I liked the team atmosphere and the coaches. The coaching staff made me feel at home.

“Penn made it easy for me,” she added.

Hand pointed out that of equal importance is the education that Penn has to offer her.

“It’s not only the running,” she said. “Penn is a great school.”

Hand plans on majoring in communications at the Ivy League college.

Penn’s team atmosphere is important to Hand, who is the captain of Howell’s cross country and track and field teams. She has proved that she values the team’s success over individual and her leadership was a big reason why during her career the Rebels became a state power in cross country (they finished sixth in the state at the Meet of Champions in November), and are now a solid track and field team with outstanding relay teams.

Hand said that all along she wanted to go early decision and had several schools courting her until Penn made it so easy.

“It’s a huge relief to find out this early,” said Hand.

Hand said that it was early in her high school career that running in college became a goal of hers. She couldn’t have imagined at the time that her running would lead her to an Ivy League education.

When Howell qualified for the Penn Relays last spring, Hand was impressed with everything about the meet and Penn itself. Little did she know back in April, that Franklin Field would become her future home.

“Last spring at the Relays, walking on Franklin Field, which is so deep in track and field history, was great,” she said. “Everything is so historical.”

Hand plans on becoming part of that history.

Before becoming part of Penn’s history, Hand will be looking to add to her history at Howell. This winter, the Rebels can put together some pretty good 4x800, Sprint Medley and Distance Medley Relay teams. A trip to the nationals is not out of the question.

Outdoors, she will look to lower her school record in the 800 (2:16.0).