Friday, October 21, 2005

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Oct. 21, 2005) - ETSU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dave Mullins announced Friday that men's basketball coach Murry Bartow has signed a two-year contract extension to remain coach of the Buccaneers.

"I'm glad we were able to reach an agreement through the 2009 season to give our team stability and great leadership," Mullins said. "Coach Bartow continues to attract outstanding players and quality individuals to ETSU. We hope this contract extension will help us maintain our men's basketball as a prominent mid-major program.

"The improvements we continue to make in all facets of our department and our exciting facility plan will allow us to improve on our great basketball tradition at ETSU for many years to come. We're glad Coach Bartow wants to be a part of that."

Bartow said he is excited about continuing to guide the Buccaneer basketball program.    

"I appreciate the confidence that both Dave Mullins and President Stanton have shown in the program and the direction we are leading this team," Bartow said. "I'm really excited about the upcoming season and I'm very happy with the way recruiting has gone. Our family has really enjoyed Johnson City and the entire Tri-Cities community. We're looking forward to a strong future for ETSU basketball."

In two seasons at ETSU, Bartow has led the Bucs to an overall record of 37-25. The 2003-04 team produced one of the greatest seasons in ETSU history under Bartow's direction. The Bucs went 27-6 overall, capturing the Southern Conference regular season and tournament championships, and nearly upsetting Cincinnati in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. For his efforts in 2003-04, Bartow was named SoCon Coach of the Year.

The Bucs open the 2005-06 season on Nov. 18 against in-state rival Tennessee. Season tickets for ETSU basketball are now on sale and can be purchased by calling 423-439-ETSU (3878).