Austen Trevers
Arts and Entertainment Editor
austen.trevers@hawks.shorter.edu
Photo by: Maggie Pruitt
Coach Aaron Kelton meets with the SU Faculty, students, and coaching staff during the school’s first ever press conference.
President Dr. Don Dowless and athletic director Kim Graham introduced new head Coach Aaron Kelton to the SU students, faculty, and coaching staff the SU Athletic Department press conference held Thursday, Jan. 28.
The Hawks’ football team went 2-8 last season (1-6 in the Gulf South Conference), where the Hawks only averaged 19.1 points per game, which saw their offense ranked last in the GSC.
Coach Kelton said the team is going to make a transition in the offensive side of the football for sure.
“I am ready to get going,” said Kelton. The new head coach arrived in Rome this week and has met with the staff and the players.
According to Dr. Dowless, Kelton is a good fit as a new member of the SU family.
“I believe that Shorter has young man that is giving the Lord his best through the gift of his calling, which is football,” said Dowless.
Kelton said that when he looks into possible opportunities he always prays on it, and this felt like the best opportunity where he could influence young people and continue to keep his Christian values about him.
Kelton has coaching experience at all levels of football, as he has coached at all college divisions and has worked with several NFL teams. He worked with the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Arizona Cardinals.
Kelton came to SU from Willams College in Williamstown, Mass. He led the football team there to an 8-0 record during his first season as head coach.
Kelton looks to bring success and hard work to SU on and off the football field.
The Hawks open their 2016/2017 season Sept. 3 against the University of Chattanooga Mocs.
