Sept. 21, 2009

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Gary Williams, who is in his 21st season as the men's basketball head coach at his alma mater, recently earned a one-year extension to his contract, University of Maryland director of athletics Deborah A. Yow announced Monday.

Williams' current contract includes automatic extensions for achieving benchmark standards by the Terrapins both athletically and academically. This extension takes the term of his contract through June 30, 2013.

"I'm pleased for Gary that he met the competitive and academic benchmarks of his contract," said Yow. "The 2009-10 season has the potential to be one of the best in recent memory."

Williams, recently voted onto the board of directors of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, is the winningest coach in Maryland history and enters the season with a 418-229 mark in his previous 20 seasons in College Park.

"I'm looking forward to coaching this team this year," said Williams. "We're all very anxious for the start of the season."

He is sixth nationally among active coaches with 625 victories (625-357) in 31 seasons overall.

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