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WILLIAMSTOWN - Even when Dylan Ashley's senior year of basketball at Williamstown High School was completely wiped out due to an ACL injury, Waynesburg University stayed locked in on the recruiting process of the 6-foot-4 forward.
Friday afternoon inside the lobby of the high school gymnasium, Ashley made his commitment to play for the Waynesburg Division III men's basketball program next fall.
"I was not going to lie to Waynesburg - a lot of people kind of walk around their injuries, but I told them what happened and they said they didn't care. They still wanted me. So it was then I knew they were the right choice for me."
Ashley suffered the knee injury one day after homecoming last September at an AAU showcase in Morgantown. Figured to fill a prominent role for the Yellowjackets after finishing fourth on the team in scoring the previous year, Ashley spent his entire senior year watching from the sidelines.
Several members of the Williamstown coaching staff played at Waynesburg - head coach Scott Sauro and assistant Rob Strcula. Coach Sauro accompanied Ashley on one of his visits.
"After the injury, Dylan was still coming to practices - he was still a big part of the team and being a good teammate." Sauro said. "I'm really happy he is getting this opportunity. Taking that year off, he added some weight and he will be able to get his body ready for the rigors of college basketball.
"With Dylan being 6-4, the coach liked having a tall kid who can shoot the ball. This season, we had to shift responsibilities. We missed Dylan because he is a big kid who can shoot the ball and guard the post. He also has some versatility with being able to play with his back against the basket. He can guard the post and perimeter."
Initially, Ashley did not have a major in mind. Taking a second look, he turned his attention to being a physical therapist. The number of trips he made to the PT during his rehab definitely gave him insight into the profession.
"It's a way to help patients the way they helped me," Ashley said.
Among the host of teammates, friends and family joining Ashley for Tuesday's photo opportunities were his mother (Alyson) and grandparents (Terry and Becky Wilson).
His thoughts also were with his father (Dale) and a baby niece who died within the past two years.
"My dad would be very proud seeing this take place today," Ashley said. "I have a tattoo (on his right forearm) for the very reason that every time I look down it reminds me of him. There was a time he was homeless and living under a bridge. To being in the military, having a wife and thriving with a family, that's something I look up to every day.
"It's really been a really tough time the past year or two. I just trust God and give him praise. The community of Williamstown really helped me and my family. I feel like I can get through anything."
Someone was looking down on Ashley at the time Williamstown made its trip to the West Virginia High School State Tournament in Charleston. His knee brace arrived in time for him to participate in pre-game warmups for the Yellowjackets' quarterfinal game against Wheeling Central Catholic.
"The goal was to at least warm up in Charleston," Ashley said. "It was a good warmup. I was really excited just to touch the floor and get some shots up.
"It's unfortunate what happened to our team at the end of the season - I've learned through life you have to appreciate every moment. I was hoping for another game, but I was enjoying every moment."
Contact Kerry Patrick at kpatrick@newsandsentinel.com