MORRILL IS THE MAN!

Utah State University gives a reward to head Basektball Coach, Stew Morrill

After guiding Utah State's basketball team to a 25-4 season and the school's first ranking in the national polls since 1978, Aggie basketball coach Stew Morrill is being rewarded with a contract enhancement.

"We are reaffirming his contract," acting director of athletics Fred Hunsaker said on Thursday. "He is extremely valuable to us, and we want him to know how much we appreciate him and what he has done for our program. We look forward to many more years of association with coach Morrill."

Morrill has eight years remaining on his contract, which will keep him in Logan through 2012. The enhancement will not include additional years.

"When I came to Utah State, I thought this would probably be my last coaching job," Morrill said. "This gesture by Utah State makes me quite certain of that. Loyalty is a two-way street, and it is really nice when everyone involved understands that principle.

"I have said on many occasions how much I enjoy coaching at Utah State University and living in Cache Valley," Morrill said. "I am very appreciative of the commitment and support that the administration has given to me and our coaching staff. We are truly excited about the accomplishments of the past six years and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead."

The 51-year old Morrill has amassed a 143-46 record in six seasons at Utah State and has taken the Aggies to postseason play in each of the last five years.