I highlighted some parts that will probably make some people's head explode...
http://redstormsports.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/050908aab.htmlMay 9, 2008
QUEENS, N.Y. - St. John's University Director of Athletics Chris Monasch announced on Friday that head coach Norm Roberts has agreed to a renewal of his five-year rollover contract, and will continue to lead the rebuilding of the University's basketball program.
"As stated in February, Coach Roberts has established the foundation for a successful program -- integrity, hard work and discipline. Our student-athletes are performing well in the classroom and are getting better on the court," stated Monasch. "We are pleased with what Norm and his staff have accomplished over the past four years,
and believe the progress in many key areas is consistent with the expectations expressed by the University, our supporters and Coach Roberts when he was hired in 2004."
"Coach Roberts and St. John's are committed to extending that success onto the basketball court," Monasch continued. "
The primary focus of this contact renewal emphasizes the importance of being successful on the court. We are confident that at this point, we have a young, talented nucleus that will return our program to its winning tradition in the very near future."
"This agreement shows the commitment that St. John's is making to me and my staff, to continue to build our program and make it as strong as it possibly can be, not just for now but for the long term," said Roberts. "We believe that we are building a solid foundation with our young players. They are working hard every single day to improve individually and as a team. We are increasing our talent level all the time, and we know as a program we are getting better every day."
The 2008-09 schedule for the Red Storm provides a formidable test for a team led by two returning seniors and seven sophomores. In addition to the arduous BIG EAST conference slate, which will include games against Louisville, Georgetown and Syracuse, St. John's will participate in the Preseason NIT and play host to Duke and
Miami as part of its non-conference schedule.
University President Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M., said, "
I continue to be grateful to Norm for all that he has accomplished in four years. Although much work remains to be done, we believe that many foundational elements are in place for a program of which we all can be proud.
The University is committed to providing whatever institutional support is needed to bring the men's basketball program to the elite level we all desire."
St. John's recently announced a multi-million dollar, multi-year renovation of historic Carnesecca Arena, which serves as the on-campus competition venue of the Red Storm men's and women's basketball teams. The arena will undergo extensive improvements this summer, complete with an all-new playing surface and seating bowl with 800 chairback seats, and enhanced ticketing and lobby areas.
"These investments are part of a $30 million renovation plan for Carnesecca Arena and will complement the recent $23 million improvement for our athletic facilities, including the construction of Taffner Field House," said Monasch.
Taffner Field House is the $16 million, 43,000 square-foot practice facility for the men's and women's basketball programs, which was completed in the fall of 2005.