May 11, 2006     

 Kelly signs to play basketball at Emporia State

Having not been recruited coming out of Arkansas City High School, it is pretty impressive that just two years later Cowley College sophomore Dane Kelly will be getting an opportunity to play at the NCAA Division II level as he recently signed a letter of intent with Emporia State University.

After seeing minimal playing time as a freshman, Kelly went on to start the majority of the Tiger basketball games during his sophomore season. He averaged 4.7 points per game and hit 23 three-pointers in 23 games played.

Cowley head coach Brian Jackson was happy to see Kelly get rewarded for his hard work.

“I am ecstatic that Dane will get an opportunity to play at the (NCAA) Division II level,” Jackson said. “To go from no athletic opportunities to being a Division II player tells you all about Dane’s commitment to getting better as a player. It feels good as a coaching staff to know we played a part in that as well.”

Emporia State went 18-13 this past season. The Hornet’s 72 wins over the last four years are the most in a four year period since ESU joined the NCAA in 1992.

“I’m looking forward to help contribute to the team, and play as much as I can,” Kelly said. “I had fun at Cowley, my teammates and coaches have been great.”