March 23-24, 2000

ITEM 106-1601-R0300  Approval of Proposal to Name P.E. Complex Arena, Casey Keltz Arena; Western Montana College of The University of Montana

THAT: At the completion of the P.E. Complex, the College named the main gymnasium in honor of Bill Straugh. The College now finds it fitting to name the connecting arena in honor of Casey Keltz for his contribution to Western and his continued support of Western Montana College Athletics.

EXPLANATION: In the history of intercollegiate basketball, the record for longevity of two coaches at the same school was set by Bill Straugh's 36 years and his successor, Casey Keltz's 28 years. The Straugh/Keltz combined reign of 64 years surpassed the record of the legendary Adolph Rupp and Joe B. Hall of the University of Kentucky.

Keltz graduated from Western in 1956 with a degree in education. During that time, he also excelled in basketball and football. Inducted into the WMC Athletic Hall of Fame in 1981 for his contributions in coaching, Keltz entered the Montana Coaches Hall of Fame and later the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame. Casey Keltz positively affected the lives of hundreds of student athletes throughout Montana. Many of our high school and collegiate coaches began their careers with Keltz who retired from Western in 1996.

As one of the most honored and recognized athletic coaches in Montana, the faculty, staff and students wish to honor Casey Keltz by changing the name of the P.E. Complex Arena to the Casey Keltz Arena.