Player of the Week: James Kelly, Lowell Boys Cross Country

Lowell senior James Kelly has been selected as the Valley Sports Daily Player of the Week for Nov. 10 through Nov. 16. Kelly is the 17th student-athlete chosen as Player of the Week for the 2025-26 school year.

Kelly starred at the Meet of Champions event last weekend, finishing in 10th place in the competitive 23-team field of the Division 1 race. Kelly posted a blazing-fast 16:04.88 and was the top MVC finisher.

“We call Jimmy our quarterback,” said Lowell head coach Scott Ouellet. “He leads our team. Jimmy is a very tough competitor and always does his best in the biggest meets.”

He did just that in the MVC championship meet last month, placing second to lead the Red Raiders to the overall team title. Kelly netted a 16:06 at Shedd Park as Lowell returned to the pinnacle of the MVC cross country landscape.

The Player of the Week is selected by the Valley Sports Daily staff. Nominations can be submitted throughout the week up until Saturday night at 8:00 PM. There may be a poll posted on Sunday with the nominations. The results of the poll influence the selection but do not strictly dictate the decision.