Cottrill to play at E. Michigan

DAILY MAIL SPORTSWRITER

Ricky Cottrill received the ultimate graduation present.

Thursday, the Poca High School basketball star got a release fromthe national letter-of-intent he signed with Robert Morris andreceived a scholarship from Eastern Michigan University. "He got afull release," said Poca Coach Allen Osborne, who will watchCottrill participate in graduation ceremonies tonight. "It was along process. It took about six weeks. I've never been involved inanything like this.

"But I'm glad he got it. He's worked awfully hard. We're prettyexcited about this."

Not to mention relieved. Now, the 6-foot-3 guard will indeed getto compete for the coach he always wanted to play for - Jim Boone.

That's how this entire scenario started. Cottrill committedduring the early signing period to Boone and Robert Morris. But,then, Boone accepted the job at Eastern Michigan. Cottrill has beenfighting to get his release from Robert Morris and the nationalletter-of-intent ever since.

"I've known Ricky since he was 9 or 10 years old," said Boone, aWinfield native. "I've watched him develop. There is no doubt in mymind that Ricky has the ability to compete at the collegiate level.

"The most important thing to me in building a program here wasnot only recruiting good players, but bringing in young men withgreat character. As good a player as Ricky is, he's a betterperson."