Prior to the beginning of this millennium, there had only been one head coach in the history of Novi High School Football. John Osborne had graced the sidelines for 33 years

In this millennium, there has only been one head football coach that has presided over the Novi Wildcats, and with a sparkling record of 50-18 in his first six years, it is clear that Tab Kellepourey was not only the correct choice to succeed a local icon, but he was in fact uniquely qualified in many ways. It should be noted that under Kellepourey’s watch, Novi High School has garnered 9 playoff victories, multiple District Championships, one Regional Championship, and they were inches from the ‘Dome’ in 2003.

Hold that thought…

Travel back with me to Nov. 18, 1988. The powerhouse Novi Wildcats locked horns with the Traverse City Central Trojans, and in spite of their valiant effort, the Cats fell just inches short of finding themselves in the state championship game by a final score of 13-12. For the record, Traverse City defeated Catholic Central to win it all, and even casual observers surmised that the ‘real’ State Championship game had been the week before in the semi-finals.

Coach Osborne was in his 21st at the helm that season, but to his side was a highly capable assistant Coach by the name of … Tab Kellepourey.

Coach Kellepourey is a Michigan native through and through, and after graduating from Riverview High School, he attended Eastern Michigan University earning a B.S. in Special Education, as well as a Masters in Special Education. And while he was matriculating, he got an early jump on his coaching career as a football assistant at Riverview HS, his alma mater.

Soon after, he landed a teaching and coaching job in Linden, Michigan but arrived in Novi in 1984 as a teacher whose assignment was to work in the area of Special Education. By 1986, he became a Varsity assistant on Coach Osborne’s staff and spent seven quality seasons in that role.

“I was driven to be a Head Coach,” Kellepourey stated, so when an opportunity arose at Hartland High School, it came with a two-fold benefit. His goal of becoming a Head Coach was fulfilled and additionally, he got to coach his oldest son at the same time. Not a bad parlay.

In 1994, Kellepourey led the Eagles to a playoff berth as a first-year coach, and continued successfully through the 1999 season. He even led his charges to a hard fought 20-19 victory over the Novi Wildcats before taking the reins in Wildcat Country the following season.

All the while, he maintained his teaching duties at Novi High School, showing leadership and discipline for both endeavors. In fact, that is the centerpiece of his philosophy.

“As a coach and teacher, the two things I try to emphasize are discipline and perseverance,” he reminded.

“In football it is a highly competitive environment and you never stop working to maintain an edge, however no one is going to win every play. There are times when you are going to get knocked down.”

Discipline comes when you do what it takes to prepare for the extreme challenges of playing football, and perseverance happens when you commit to getting up no matter how many times you are knocked down.

“You keep getting up,” Coach explains, “no matter how many times it takes.”

These are not empty words. As a Special Education teacher and a Head Football Coach, it is true there is a homogeneous nature between the two. The best students, the most productive citizens, and the most successful athletes are disciplined and they persevere.

The dictionary defines discipline as… ‘Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement.’

It is a message Coach Kellepourey lives and teaches and it is evident on Friday nights as his Wildcats are always prepared and determined.

In 2003, the Novi Wildcats had one of the finest football teams in MHSAA history. At 12-0, they were inches from the ‘Dome.’

Although the Cats were knocked down, Coach K got them up next season and his team responded with another KVC Title, and District Championship as well.

Coach Kellepourey has been a major figure in developing and nurturing Novi High School Football into one of the premier programs in the state. From training, support, facilities and student involvement, Novi Wildcat Football is a lesson in discipline and perseverance.

Tab Kellepourey’s Cats will take on Chelsea in the second annual Big-Day Showdown at Eastern Michigan on August 26th, further signifying Novi’s place as a top-flight program.

It is a new millennium and things look very good for the Green and White.

You can be sure that they will be up for it, and stay up for it… no matter how many times it takes.