October 31, 2005
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents approved a contract extension for A&M women?â„¢s basketball coach Gary Blair Friday that will keep him leading the program through 2011.
Blair?â„¢s original employment contract of five seasons was extended for three additional seasons. A&M Athletic Director Bill Byrne hired Blair away from the University of Arkansas in April of 2003.
?Coach Blair?â„¢s team showed marked improvement last year and judging by the way his team is practicing, I see that success continuing,? Byrne said. ?He is a wonderful representative for Texas A&M and women?â„¢s basketball and I?â„¢m proud to have him as our coach. I was pleased to be able to recommend an extension of his contract.?
Last year, Blair guided the Aggies to the quarterfinals of the postseason WNIT and to the team?â„¢s first winning season since 1996. Since Blair arrived on campus, home attendance has soared to record levels as it has increased 122 percent in two seasons. Last season, the Aggies set school marks for total attendance, average per game attendance, and single game attendance.
Blair has inked back-to-back top 20 recruiting classes which included last season?â„¢s Big 12 Freshman of the Year Morenike Atunrase and a pair of three-time Big 12 Rookies of the Week A?â„¢Quonesia Franklin and Patrice Reado.
?This is another example of the continued support we get from our administration and Bill Byrne,? Blair said. ?It speaks to the commitment A&M has made to my entire staff, the players, and the underclass recruits in the state and around the country.?
Blair?â„¢s most recent signing class was tabbed third best in the Big 12.
The Aggies will host the first of two exhibition games when they welcome Everyone?â„¢s Internet on Monday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at Reed Arena. The second exhibition game is scheduled for Nov. 13 while the season tips off on Nov. 21 at Reed Arena against Saint Peters.