Seahawks hoop coach signs new contract

[LamarStatesports]

First-year Lamar State College-Port Arthur head basketball coach Matt Cross will be back for a second season at the helm of the Seahawks.

The college announced today that Cross has signed a new contract.

Lamar State president Dr. Sam Monroe said the college community is delighted to have Cross return.

“The contract took a little longer than we planned,” Monroe said. “But, now it’s done, and we can move forward with rising expectations and a most optimistic outlook for the men’s basketball program after Coach Cross’ first record-setting season.”

Cross is the third head coach to lead Lamar State hoop program, following Don Bryson, who came out of retirement to start the program in 2004 and lead it through the first four years, and Jerre Cole, who coached the team one season (2008-09).

In his first season, Cross’ Seahawks compiled the best-ever record in the program’s six-year history, going 20-11 overall and 10-9 in Region XIV action. They also set 10 team season records, seven individual season records and four individual single-game records.

Lamar State also reached the conference tournament for the first time and, along the way, defeated three nationally-ranked teams, including the eventual conference champion, Navarro College.

Cross said he is excited about the coming year.

“I’m certain our basketball program will continue to get better and better,” Cross said. “I am grateful to Dr. Monroe and the college faculty and staff for their on-going support and commitment to me and the basketball program. I look forward to working with all of the Seahawk family who faithfully support the team.”

Cross said he has lofty goals for his 2010-11 squad.

“Coaching never is boring if you set high goals,” he said. “I truly believe that if we can add the right pieces to our roster to augment the sophomores we have coming back, we will be able to contend for a national championship.”

[DP#1FAN]

That is great news. I think he is a good one. His record speaks for itself.