Ron Everhart's Contract Extended

PITTSBURGH - Duquesne University President Dr. Charles Dougherty and Director of Athletics Greg Amodio announced today that head men's basketball coach Ron Everhart has signed a multi-year contract extension which secures Everhart as the Dukes' coach through the 2013-14 season.

"The University is pleased to extend Ron Everhart's contract," said Dougherty. "He is restoring Duquesne's tradition of national competitiveness in men's basketball. Moreover, he is dedicated to the success of our student athletes in every respect. I witnessed firsthand the great care Ron showed for our students after the shootings in `06. I already knew Ron had the talent to be a great head coach. I realized then that Ron also had the values to be a great head coach for Duquesne University."

"Ron Everhart has done an outstanding job in elevating our men's basketball program," added Amodio. "He has accomplished a great deal in two short years. Ron has shown tremendous leadership, an unparalleled work ethic and a commitment to making Duquesne a winner. We are extremely pleased to have him leading our program for many years to come."

"Duquesne is a very special place," said Everhart. "It really is an honor to receive an extension. I am fortunate to be part of a program that has such a strong commitment to basketball excellence. The support we receive from Dr. Dougherty and Greg Amodio has given us the opportunity to compete at the highest level of the Atlantic 10. I'm excited to be part of that process.

"Personally, being part of a faith-based institution and being close to home means a lot to me and my family."

Everhart, who was named the 15th coach in Duquesne basketball history on March 29, 2006, inherited a team that finished with a school-worst 3-24 record and RPI of 308 in 2005-06. In his first season, the 46-year-old Fairmont, W.Va. native guided the Dukes to a 10-19 record and appearance at the Atlantic 10 Championship despite having to deal with a preseason shooting that injured five players. The 2007 Dukes were honored by the United States Basketball Writers Association as recipient of the organization's Most Courageous Award which is presented annually to honor "a player, coach, official or administrator who has demonstrated extraordinary courage reflecting honor on the sport of amateur basketball."

Last year, Duquesne jumped out to its best start in 27 years on the way to posting the school's first winning season since 1993-94 with a 17-13 record. The `08 Dukes' final RPI improved to 130.