YSU BASKETBALL Robic signs four-year extension

The third-year coach directed the Penguins to a 19-11 record last year.
YOUNGSTOWN -- John Robic, the third-year Youngstown State University men's basketball coach, has signed a four-year contract extension, the university announced Friday.
"My family and I are very appreciative of the contract extension," Robic said.
"We are very happy living in the Mahoning Valley and being a part of the YSU family and we hope that we can continue a long-lasting relationship with the community," Robic said.
"I think it shows a solid commitment from the university and athletic administration, not only to myself and my family, but to the entire men's basketball program," Robic said.
"We look forward to competing in the Horizon League and make strides to be competitive," Robic said.
Robic's contract now runs through April 2005.
Important asset: Ron Strollo, YSU's executive director of intercollegiate athletics, said Robic is an important asset to the athletic department and future of Penguins basketball.
"John's dedication to Youngstown State University, the Mahoning Valley and out student-athletes has been tremendous, and he has a very bright future as our head men's basketball coach," Strollo said.
"With the change to the Horizon League, this offers stability and a continuing commitment to both John and our men's basketball program."
Last season, the Penguins finished 19-11 overall and placed third in the Mid-Continent Conference with an 11-5 mark.
Debut in loop: This year, Youngstown State plays its first season in the Horizon League.
On the court, YSU has won 31 games the past two seasons -- the second-most by any two-year coach in the school history.
Last year's 19-win season marked the second-highest victory total by the Penguins in the past 24 years.
YSU averaged 2,728 fans per game at the Beeghly Center in 2000-01, the most since the 1988-89 campaign.
In two years Robic has posted a 31-27 overall mark.
Off the court, Robic has graduated four of the five student-athletes who exhausted their eligibility under his tutelage.