Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, September 24, 1994 TAG: 9409280034
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SCOTT BLANCHARD STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Tech athletic director Dave Braine said Friday the school has scrapped an agreement that would have rewarded Beamer with a new five-year contract for winning at least six games this season, and will give Beamer his new deal now.
The 14th-ranked Hokies are 4-0 after pounding West Virginia 34-6 on national cable television Thursday night. ESPN announcers twice criticized Tech's six-win, new-contract deal with Beamer, who had sought an extension after last year's 9-3 season. Sports Illustrated also skewered Tech's reluctance to award Beamer an outright extension after last year, and the deal it eventually reached with him in August.
``I think after the success that the team has had and the notoriety this thing has gotten, it was time to put it to bed,'' Tech athletic director Dave Braine said. ``It has not turned out to be a good thing.''
Tech's administration apparently was unhappy with the negative publicity. Asked if University officials had expressed discomfort with the situation, Braine said: ``I think it's safe to say the University administration felt like this is a very good move.''
Beamer, who had one season left on his current five-year deal with Tech, now is under contract through the 1999 season. His salary will rise from $128,587 this year to $135,016 next year, and he'll get a five percent raise every year through 1999.
The contract includes a clause regarding an annuity for Beamer. If he leaves Tech before the contract is out, he loses the annuity. If he stays through 1999, he gets $180,000.
Beamer, who trails only 15-year West Virginia coach Don Nehlen in Big East seniority, is 37-43-2 in seven-plus years at his alma mater. He's fifth on Tech's all-time victory list.
The Hokies have won seven straight games and 10 of their last 11 dating to last year, and have been ranked in the last 10 Associated Press Top 25 polls. Sunday, Tech probably will be ranked higher than 14th by the AP for the first time in school history.
``This has been a good two days,'' Beamer said in a statement in which he thanked Braine and the school's administration. ``Last night we had a great win, and then today, great news.''
Braine retained Beamer - with significant staff changes - after a 2-8-1 season in 1992. If he needed more than a season of proof that the football program is ascending, he's gotten it this year.
``Four games into the season is reason enough right now to eliminate any speculation,'' Braine said. ``I think it has turned out it's time to make sure people understand, we want Frank Beamer.''
by CNB