Kelli Bruner (2011) - Hall of Fame - Montana State University Athletics

Kelli Bruner

Induction:
2011
Class:
1993

Kelli Bruner came to Montana State as a a higly touted women's basketball standout. She left the Bobcats as one of the all-time track and field greats.

The Billings native signed in April of 1988 with then-women's basketball coach Gary Schwartz, destined to be a two-sport star.

"She is going to have an outstanding future at Montana State," Schwartz said at the time. "Because of her physical strangth and athleticism, she'll make an impact with the Bobcats."

In her first week as a Lady 'Cat, the unexpected happened. bruner tore her ACL and was sidelined for the next nine months. Following rehabilitation, she competed in both sports, where she excelled both on and off the court.

"Sometimes you have to go through a little pain to achieve something," Bruner commented.

Following her sophomore season, the Billings West graduate made the decision to fous her attention on track and field.

That decision paid big dividends for both Bruner and track and field head coach Dale Kennedy.

"She loved to compete," Kennedy said, "Kelli was an outstanding basketball recruit, but we were fortunate recipients of her abilities."

Bruner went on to win both the indoor andoutdoor Big Sky Conference titles in the shot-put. She also left MSU as the school-record holder in the event going over 48-feet.

"One of the most memorable meets was Kelli winning it all and going over 48-feet," Kennedy said. "It wasn't even close. The next competitor was somewhere around 45-feet."

During her career, Bruner scored more points than any other Bobcat track and field athlete had ever accomplished at the Big Sky Championships. She was also a multiple Big Sky All-Conference performer in both shot put and discus and a Big Sky Academic honoree.

Bruner closed out her time as Montana State earning the prestigious Marta Hosaues award, given to the senior athlete for excellence on the playing field and in the classroom.