Boys Basketball - Varsity Boys Head Coach (1983-1997)

Teacher in the Holly Area Schools (1973-2004)

Joe Blakely graduated from Kalamazoo Central HS in 1967 where he played tennis, basketball and baseball. Majoring in physical education he earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Central Michigan University in 1971. His first year as a Chippewa, Joe played basketball.

Holly Area Schools hired Blakely in 1973 to teach middle school physical education and geography. He wasted no time before jumping into the coaching ranks. For six years, from 1973-79, Joe coached 7th and 8th grade basketball. The next three years he coached the freshman team. Finally, in 1983, Coach Blakely took over the reigns of the varsity boys’ basketball team. During his 15 year tenure, the longest serving varsity basketball coach in over 60 years, he amassed a record of 163 – 138…10 winning seasons. His teams won a district title and competed in a regional final. When asked about additional accomplishments, Joe simply states, “it’s all about the kids”. This attitude is why the “kids”…both students and athletes…love Coach Blakely.

After a fantastic and fulfilling teaching and coaching career, Coach Blakely retired from Holly in 2004.

Barbara, Joe’s wife of 39 years, and their children, Mike and Sarah, have been very supportive over the years. Joe and Barbara reside in Clearwater, Florida.