She met THE “Mean Joe Green.”
Just once, and she didn’t get a #75 jersey like that kid in the commercial, but it was still “Mean Joe,” and the perennial All-Pro Pittsburgh Steeler said hi to her late father, Pat Clutter, too. And that was a pretty cool thing, too, because those moments left a permanent impression on young Kelly Clutter.
Today she’s the operations director at The Highlands Sports Complex, but her sports roots on her resume include years with the Wheeling Nailers and the Atlanta Falcons. That’s right, THE NFL, the biggest show in professional sports, and she misses the bright lights, the celebrity, the glitz and glamour, and the thousands upon thousands of fans in the stands.
She misses the roar of the crowd.
But life, right? Takes you where it’s going to take you, right?
There are those twists and the turns, sure, but there are the calamities, too, that alter a person’s existence forever and ever. Some tragedies, in fact, move you home to an unspoken sanctuary filled by the love of family and friends.
Oh, and Figaretti’s. Can’t forget Fig’s.
Who’s your all-time favorite football player, and why?
Well, this is a little difficult. Do I go old school? Or from now? Or do I name someone I’ve met?
I will say that when I went in the Atlanta Falcons, I was a tried-and-true Steelers fan and stayed that way, but I also am a Falcons fan and that will always be with me.
Now to answer the question I would have to choose two … first I go back to even before I was a fan. When I was just a little one, I went to Three Rivers with my dad as he was covering a Wheeling Post 1 game. As we walked down to go in the media entrance, a huge man appeared and greeted us, saying he was Mean Joe Greene. Me and my sister we in awe of him.
I’ll never forget it and how friendly this large, intimidating man was … one of the greatest defensive linemen to play in the NFL. It truly was unforgettable for me.
I’d also have to mention I was always a huge Hines Ward fan and got the chance to meet him several times. He is as friendly and nice as ever, with that inviting smile. As for my Falcons, no one better than “Pretty Tony” … well, that’s what we called Tony Gonzalez.
What is the one thing most local people don’t realize about The Highlands Sports Complex?
To be honest, I’m always surprised when someone from the valley has not been to the Sports Complex. It is an amazing facility with a little something for everyone. We not only have sporting activities but an arcade, climbing walls, a café, and we host birthday parties.
I don’t think people realize that we can host get-togethers and events like that. I really wish I would have had this when I was a kid.
What surprised you the most while working for an NFL franchise?
I was surprised at how normal it felt, and how at home the franchise made you feel. I walked in everyday to a stadium that held 72,000 people on a Sunday, that hosted the Olympics, a Superbowl and NCAA Final Four. And it was completely normal for me.
I walked around on a game day at ground level where my office was and said hi to coaches, players and celebrities like it was any other day. I’ll never forget passing Hines Ward and just saying “Hey, how are you?” like we were old friends. That environment was electric and fun but hard work, too, and I miss it. It was just a regular old job, but it was also a dream job and I enjoyed every minute.
Do you and your sister really like each other that much?
Not really, but we fake it well … only joking.
Crissy and I are two years apart and I have always looked up to her as a sister. I always wanted to hang around her friends growing up and honestly be more like her. We had some rocky times but with the passing of my dad and me moving away helped us become extremely close.
My family, as a whole, became close, and when you get one of us, you get all four (including my mom, Angie, and brother Pat). My sister has always been there for me, and she is my constant friend, advocate and the world’s best Aunt to my son Hudson.
We fight, sure, but we always make up, because that’s what sisters do. To be honest, I don’t know what I would do without her.
What is it you love most about the city you live in?
The Friendly city is what we call “IT” and “IT” is just that.
People normally always says, “Everyone knows everybody’” and truthfully, this is where my family is and there’s no one better than them. Truthfully, I don’t know if I would have moved back if it wasn’t for the birth of my son and his dad passing, but I also can’t imagine not having my family in my corner and by my side when I need them.
Or just having a drink and playing cards on a Friday night after dinner at Figaretti’s.
Wheeling is like no other place, and it is what we love to call home. The beautiful parks, the Festival of Lights, restaurants that are only here, festivals at Heritage Port, and just that hometown feel.
Wheeling has always been a great place to raise a family because it’s safe and friendly.
