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Men's Basketball

Fort Wayne, IN– IPFW Director of Athletics Mark A. Pope announced today that former Indiana University assistant Dane Fife has been selected as the new men's basketball coach at IPFW.

The former Indiana standout had just completed his second season on coach Mike Davis' staff.

"Dane brings a great tradition of basketball coaching experience," Pope said. "His father was a collegiate basketball player and coach at the University of Michigan. Both of his brothers competed at the collegiate level. He has learned from two mentors, Bob Knight and Mike Davis. He has competed in the NCAA National Championship Game. In short, he is a great fit for IPFW at this stage of our development. He brings a tremendous competitive spirit and a strong belief that he can get the job done here."

As a player, Fife was the defensive catalyst behind Indiana’s 2001-02 Big Ten co-champion and Final Four team. He broke the Hoosiers’ career steals record (180) en route to league Defensive Player of the Year honors as a senior. Fife also ranks among the Hoosiers’ all-time top 20 in assists (307) and three-pointers (99), and his .478 three-point field goal percentage in 2001-02 is sixth on IU’s single-season list. Fife also holds Indiana’s single-season record for games started (37) and is tied for sixth in career games played (131).

Fife was the Gary Steelheads’ first-round pick in the 2002 CBA Draft and started five of the 34 games in which he played. He averaged 3.4 points and one rebound per game.

"I am truly humbled by this tremendous opportunity," Fife said. "My goal has always been to become a successful college coach and to help young men reach their full potential, both on and off the court. IPFW Men's Basketball is on its way to becoming an outstanding program, and I will give everything that I have within me to bring it to the next level."

"What most attracted me to Dane was that, more than any other candidate, he convinced me that he wants this position at IPFW - not just any coaching position," Pope added. "He has a passion for our student-athletes and has studied them closely. He has already developed a plan to further the development of our team. His preparation, attention to detail and hard work will be his greatest assets. I am looking forward to starting this new era in IPFW Basketball."

Fife, at 25, becomes the youngest current Division I head coach. That distinction was previously held by 30 year old Jeff Capel of Virginia Commonwealth.

The 'Dons new head coach, who official takes over on April 1st, is currently putting the finishing touches on his coaching staff.