Emporia State University Athletics

Melvin "Shorty" Long began a long career at Emporia State University when he was a first-team Little All-America football player in 1940.  He was twice selected to the all-conference and all-state teams during his career and was named to Fran Welch’s all-time "Dream Team" as a guard.  While serving on the ESU faculty, Long was instrumental in developing a physical education program for physically disabled and handicapped students.  In 1951, he was named assistant football and basketball coach.  He also served as head wrestling coach.  Long was a member of the ESU coaching staff in one capacity or another for 19 years.