Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, August 26, 1995 TAG: 9508280057
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Under Bill Foster, Virginia Tech's men's basketball program has dribbled its way back to national prominence.
Now the Hokies appear set to reward the veteran coach.
The school's Board of Visitors is expected to approve terms next week on a new five-year contract for the 59-year-old Foster.
An official announcement from the school will come after the board's contract approval, considered to be a mere formality.
Dave Braine, Tech athletic director, confirmed Friday that the school ``has been in the process of redoing [Foster's] contract'' this summer.
Braine refused to offer further comment on the matter.
Foster couldn't be reached for comment Friday.
It will be the second time Tech has redone Foster's contract. Foster signed a four-year contract when he took the Hokies' job before the 1991-92 season. At the conclusion of the 1993-94 season, Tech extended Foster's contract for three more seasons.
The new deal will extend Foster's deal through the 1999-2000 season.
It will be a surprise to many if Foster chooses to coach that long. He will start his 28th year of college coaching when the Hokies open preseason practice on Oct.15.
``I look for Bill to probably coach two more years ... and stay through the [Ace] Custis run,'' said a source close to Tech's basketball program.
``If nothing else, by signing him for five more years it helps big time in recruiting. Kids want to know if the coach is going to be around.''
Early last season, Foster suffered from what he later called a ``nervous stomach'' disorder. He was forced to leave the Tech bench on at least three occasions during games because of the problem.
But Foster showed no ill effects as the Hokies went on to win a school-record 25 games and capture the National Invitation Tournament championship.
As Tech's NIT run progressed, Foster said he was approached by at least two schools interested in securing his services.
``My next job will be out of coaching,'' Foster said at the time. ``When I'm done at Virginia Tech, I'm done coaching.''
After his first two Tech clubs each went 10-18, Foster's Hokies have gone 18-10 and 25-10 the past two seasons. His four-year Tech mark is 63-56. Including stops at Shorter (Ga.) College, UNC Charlotte, Clemson and Miami, Fla., Foster's overall record is 494-303.
Returning every player from the NIT title squad, plus adding some key newcomers, Tech figures to be ranked among the preseason Top 25 and as one of the favorites in its first season in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
by CNB