Father Of High-School Star Joins Oral Roberts Staff

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Oral Roberts coach Scott Sutton hired Conley Clarke, the father of a prominent state high school player, as his director of operations on Tuesday.<br/><br/>Clarke, the father of Verdigris

Tuesday, April 24th 2007, 2:36 pm

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Oral Roberts coach Scott Sutton hired Conley Clarke, the father of a prominent state high school player, as his director of operations on Tuesday.

Clarke, the father of Verdigris High School junior Rotnei Clarke, will coordinate the day-to-day operations of the men's basketball office at Oral Roberts. He has been an assistant coach at Verdigris the past three seasons.

"We're thrilled that Conley has decided to join the ORU family," Sutton said. "He will be a great asset to our basketball program, and we look forward to working with him."

Rotnei Clarke set Oklahoma's high school state tournament scoring record with 60 points in a Class 3A game against Vian last month. He is considered among the state's top prospects and has already received a scholarship offer from Kansas.

Conley Clarke takes over the position from Steve Upshaw, who was promoted to a newly created job as director of student-athlete development. The position will increase Upshaw's involvement in coaching, scouting and recruiting.

"Steve's promotion -- and Conley's addition -- will help us get more out of our staff," Sutton said. "Steve now has the opportunity to become more involved, at least as far NCAA rules allow."

The Golden Eagles are also looking to replace former assistant Corey Williams, who took a similar job at Oklahoma State on Monday.