Kevin Lofton enters his 14th year as a member of the UNK coaching staff in 2008-09.

            In April of 2005, Lofton was promoted to co-head coach and will succeed Tom Kropp as UNK head coach at some future date.

            "This is about giving credit where credit is due. Kevin has earned the opportunity to succeed Coach Kropp," said Jon McBride, UNK Athletic Director.

            From 2001-05, Lofton was the team’s associate head coach. He was a full-time assistant for four years prior to that. Lofton began his Loper career as a graduate assistant coach in 1995.

            "I support this move 100 percent and think it does two things for Kevin," said Kropp. "First, it gives him the credit he has long deserved. Second, it gives him the security of knowing that he will be the head coach here someday."

            Lofton has played an extensive role in UNK's success the past decade.

            Since 1996, UNK has gone 302-97 (75.6 win percentage), made 10 NCAA Division II Tournament appearances, three trips to the "Sweet Sixteen" and the Elite Eight in 2003. 

            He serves as the team's recruiting coordinator, creates the defensive game plan, is heavily involved in bench coaching during games and works closely with players on a one-to-one basis.

           Among the players Lofton has recruited to UNK include All-American Nick Branting, 1,000-point scorers Chad Burger, Brian Dunagan and Mike Gitt and All-RMAC selections Richard Dionne, Chad Sheffield, Will Taukiuvea, Chris Dean and James Lane.

          Lofton began his coaching career in North Platte at Mid-Plains C.C. He graduated from RMAC-member Regis University (Denver) in 1992 with a degree in Communications and Public Relations emphasis.

          He played two years at Regis after beginning his career at Yavapai C.C. in Arizona. As a senior for the Rangers, he averaged 11.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

         Lofton also holds a Master's degree in Physical Education from UNK, completed in 1997.