Eriksen staying at USF till 2010

With interest sparked by recent calls from acclaimed athletic programs such as Florida and Arizona State, USF reacted quickly and signed softball coach Ken Eriksen to a five-year contract extension.

Eriksen, who’s been head coach since 1996 and was named Conference USA Coach of the Year in 2003, had two years left on his previous contract, paying him $53,964 a year.

This season (42-28) Eriksen led the Bulls to their third-straight NCAA Regional appearance and fourth postseason berth in five years and has accumulated a 415-208-1 career record.

“I really like the direction (Athletic Director) Doug Woolard has USF going in,” Eriksen said in a statement. “It’s important for a coach to not only feel secure in his job but also secure in the fact that the administration and the president is behind the program’s goals and dreams, and I feel like they are.

“The future facility plan is moving at a faster rate than anyone thought and it’s just a matter of time before the last piece is in place for USF Athletics. The community deserves a top-notch facility to enhance a top-notch athletic program in its quest for national championships, and I am excited to be a part of that for the future.”

Woolard added in a statement, “We are pleased to be able to reward coach Eriksen with a multi-year agreement. He is providing the exact partnership we’re looking for in leading our women’s softball program. We’re very fortunate to have Ken as a member of our team and look forward to his extended leadership as we enter the Big East.”

Eriksen will now remain at USF through the year 2010, receiving a base salary of $62,000 per year and the use of an automobile, along with an incentive-based performance package.

Eriksen recently gained notability when he helped coach the U.S. Olympic softball team to an undefeated record and a gold medal in Athens.

Son of coachcoming to USF

Red-shirt freshman quarterback Grant Gregory, the son of offensive assistant coach Greg Gregory, will transfer from Indiana University to USF in the fall semester.

Gregory will have to sit out a year but will be eligible for play by the 2006 season. He already sat out the 2004 season.

The 6-1 quarterback was named to the Division III All-Ohio squad by Ohio Prep Scene after completing 115-of-214 passes for 2,085 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior at Athens High School. Gregory was also first-team All-Ohio selection at the Division III level by The Associated Press and the Ohio Football Coaches Association.

Men’s basketball releases half of 2005-06 schedule

The USF men’s basketball non-conference half of the 2005-06 season was announced by coach Robert McCullum on June 29, which includes eight home games and two tournaments in December.

The Bulls will participate in the Price Cutter Classic, hosted by Southwest Missouri State, and the 42nd Annual Rainbow Classic, hosted by the University of Hawaii.

The Bulls open up their non-conference schedule at home on Nov. 18, facing Alcorn State and Jacksonville on Nov. 25. Also coming to the Sun Dome will be former conference foe UAB on Dec. 30, Florida Atlantic on Dec. 12, Bethune Cookman on Dec. 28 and most notably, the Bulls host the University of Michigan Wolverines on Dec. 10.

The team will also travel to FIU and Stetson on Nov. 29 and Dec 6, respectively.