Marquette University Athletics
Marquette Basketball Coach Tom Crean Signs Contract Extension
4/10/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
April 10, 2002
MILWAUKEE -Marquette Head Men's Basketball Coach Tom Crean plans to make Marquette University his home court for years to come. Crean has signed a long-term contract extension to remain the leader of Marquette Men's Basketball.
"I am very pleased by the faith shown in me by Marquette University, especially by Father Wild, the school's administration, and certainly Bill Cords, and I look forward to continuing to build our program," said Crean. "We have a tremendous partnership and the ownership displayed by the Marquette community is something extremely special to me.
"My family and I have enjoyed every bit of our time both at Marquette and in the Milwaukee area and we are excited about the daily process of watching the growth of not only the basketball program but that of Marquette University as well."
"In his three years at Marquette, Coach Crean has brought renewed excitement and excellence to the basketball program", says Father Robert Wild, President of Marquette University. "Tom is a truly a member of the Marquette family and we are so pleased to know that he realizes and values his special place at this university."
Marquette and Tom Crean have been discussing an extension for more than a year, but decided to focus on the basketball season. Once the season was completed, the agreement was reached very quickly. "This will assure our fans, alumni and both current and future recruits of the deep commitment by Marquette University and Coach Crean to a long-term relationship", said Athletic Director Bill Cords.
Crean completed his third year at the helm of the Golden Eagles' program in 2001-02 and led the team to an overall record of 26-7, the highest victory total by a Marquette Squad since 1975-76. In addition, Crean guided the squad to their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 1997 and ended the season ranked No. 12 in the Associated Press Poll. Crean was also named Conference USA Coach of the Year. Crean's three-year record at Marquette stands at 56-35.
