KEENE, N.H. 2/16/07 - There will be a new player sitting on the bench in Keene State's final regular season men's basketball game against Southern Maine on Saturday. But he will be no stranger to the coaching staff or players.

After spending the past two seasons as the Owls' team manager, senior Danny Burtis will suit up on Saturday.

Burtis can thank his baseball buddy roommates for the opportunity. Some of the more rowdy fans at Owl games, the friends started chanting his name during a blowout last season. "Coach Colbert asked me about it after the game and promised me I could dress on Senior Day," said Burtis.

"A few weeks ago, he asked me if I was going to live up to my promise," Colbert said. He's done nothing but live up to his, so we'll definitely do it."

While the encouragement of the crowd got the ball rolling, Colbert, more importantly, thought the gesture was a thank you to Burtis for a job well done.

Colbert said that Burtis does the little things behind the scenes that play a role in the team's success. "He just a great kid who's done everything we've asked of him."

A senior from Colchester, Conn., Burtis attended Bacon Academy where he ran cross country and track and played basketball. "My basketball coach didn't think much of me as a player and told me my career wouldn't go beyond high school," Burtis said.

Moving on to Keene State, Burtis, a physical education major, missed being around athletics, and approached assistant basketball coach Ben Mecklenberg about serving as the team's manager. Not stopping there, Burtis, a manager for all seasons, also got the go- ahead from Coach Ken Howe to work with the KSC baseball team.

When a freshman catcher left the team early in the season, Burtis grabbed the gear and served as one of the Owls' bullpen receivers. "He's a big fan of Keene State sports and will take on any task to help the teams," said Howe.

"The commitment comes down to having a passion for the game," Burtis said. "Coach Colbert and Howe and their staff have been great to me and always made me feel like a part of the team."

Burtis can't wait to be part of the basketball team on Saturday. "I think he's picked out a number and uniform and got a new pair of sneakers for his debut, "said a smiling Colbert.

"I think it will be neat for our players to see him," Colbert said. "I think it's important for our kids to understand how special it is to wear a uniform. Sometimes they forget and take it for granted."

Burtis, who will wear no. 35, said he's on cloud nine about the chance to sit on the bench. He called his parents, Bill and June, to tell them that he will be joining fellow seniors David Sontag, Matt Adams, and Alex Laush, who will be recognized on Saturday. "I can't wait," said Burtis. "It's nice to be acknowledged for my work with the team."

A few days ago, Danny brought his younger brother Mike to one of the team's practices. Mike, a Marine, came up to visit his brother before leaving for Iraq in two weeks. Mike was touched by the response of the Owl players, who all came over to shake his hand.

"He said to me, 'I don't know why the all the guys came over and shook my hand,'" Burtis said. "I told him that people really do appreciate what you're doing. He looked back at me and said 'Danny, people appreciate what you do too'."