Sept. 10, 2008

By John Manuszak
Athletic Media Relations

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Colorado State University has given a one-year contract extension to men’s basketball Head Coach Tim Miles, Rams Athletic Director Paul Kowalczyk announced Wednesday.

Miles, set to begin his second season as the head coach of the Rams, is now under contract through the 2012-13 season.

“Today’s announcement shows a commitment to Tim and his staff,” said Kowalczyk. “It’s easy to reward someone after a successful season. But last year, Tim showed amazing strength and character in the face of really difficult circumstances, most of which were out of his control. His leadership during tough times convinced us that we have the coach to lead the program to the upper echelon of the Mountain West.”

Miles took over a Rams program last season that returned just two letterwinners and one starter from the previous season. During the 2007-08 campaign, both returning letterwinners (Stuart Creason and Ronnie Aguilar) missed significant time with injuries, while 10 new players saw action.

“I am both humbled and excited by Paul’s gesture to extend my contract,” said Miles. “Our entire staff is dedicated to the effort of rebuilding this program and we are confident that Rams fans will be proud of the achievements by our team.”

This season, the Rams return Mountain West second-team all-conference selection and Newcomer of the Year Marcus Walker, who led the MWC in scoring last season (17.1 points per game). Point guard Willis Gardner and forward Andre McFarland also return after starting 28 and 31 games, respectively, last season. In addition, Division I transfers Andy Ogide (Ole Miss) and Dan Vandervieren (Purdue) will see action this season after sitting out last season. Junior college transfers Mame Bocar Ba (College of Southern Idaho), Travis Franklin (Colby CC) and Harvey Perry (College of Southern Idaho) along with freshman Jesse Carr (Ainsworth, Neb.) are also poised to debut for the Rams in 2008-09.

“I am looking forward to the season,” Miles added. “We added six talented players to our nucleus and we should see immediate results.”