April 5, 2005

Lofton Promoted to Co-Head Coach

Will Be the Successor to Tom Kropp

            Kearney, Neb. –   Nebraska-Kearney athletic director Jon McBride announced today that Kevin Lofton has been promoted to co-head coach of the men's basketball team and will succeed Tom Kropp at some future date.

            "This is about giving credit where credit is due. Kevin has earned the opportunity to succeed Coach Kropp," McBride said. "It will be Tom's decision as to how much longer he will coach. His dedication and long service to UNK gives him that privilege."

            Lofton has been part of the Loper basketball program the past 10 years. He has been associate head coach for the past five years after being the top assistant for four seasons.

            The Arizona native began his UNK career as a graduate assistant during the 1995-96 season.

            "It's a tremendous honor to be elevated to the position of co-head coach and to be chosen as Coach Kropp's successor," Lofton said. "I'm very thankful for his support, and that of Chancellor Kristensen and Mr. McBride."

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

            Since 1996, UNK has gone 239-69 (77.5 win percentage), made eight NCAA Tournament appearances, three trips to the "Sweet Sixteen" and the Elite Eight in 2003. 

            "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 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.

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

            Kropp has been UNK's head coach the past 15 years and been part of Loper basketball for over two decades as either a player or coach. He has a career mark of 326-120 (73.1 win percentage).