Nov. 28, 2001

Columbia, Mo.-Mike Alden, University of Missouri Director of Athletics, announced head coach Susan Kreklow has agreed, in principal, to a new three-year contract to continue, with associate head coach Wayne Kreklow, at the helm of the Tiger Volleyball Program. This deal, which happened earlier today, is only the sixth multi-year contract offered at Mizzou since Alden became the director of athletics.

"We feel very good about the commitment the University has made to us personally as well as to the volleyball program here at Mizzou," Susan Kreklow said. "We are working hard in an effort to take the program in the right direction and are pleased with the amount of support Mike Alden and the University of Missouri administration have provided us and the young ladies in our program."

After leading the Tigers to the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in their first year at Missouri in 2000, the Kreklows were named the 2000 Big 12 Coaches of the Year. The duo guided Mizzou back to the dance this season and another 20-win campaign.

The Tigers will take on the Fighting Illini on Friday in Champaign with first serve set for 8 p.m. Missouri has recorded a 44-17 record during the Kreklow's two-year tenure at Mizzou, but associate athletic director and senior woman administrator Sarah Reesman said their impact on Missouri athletics has gone far beyond wins and losses.

"Susan and Wayne have done a tremendous job of turning this program around and making it something the entire University can take pride in," Reesman said. "They are two very quality individuals who have made a commitment to Mizzou. They bring a family atmosphere to the program. They already have and will continue to provide great direction for the program."