Written by Ryan Aroney

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With the start of the season just over two weeks away, Cleveland State has announced the signing of Coach Gary Waters to a new five year contract. The new deal will replace the final three years on Waters' original contract and will keep the head man in Cleveland through at least the 2012-13 season. The Vikes are poised for a big season, returning essentially their whole team from last year's squad. Ryan Aroney talks about the Waters extension and what it means. With the start of the season just over two weeks away, Cleveland State has announced the signing of Coach Gary Waters to a new five year contract. The new deal will replace the final three years on Waters' original contract and will keep the head man in Cleveland through at least the 2012-13 season.

"The structure of this contract will allow us to do the things that we need to do as a program to make Cleveland State one of the best basketball programs in the country", Waters said.

The contract was negotiated to bring stability to the program and also with the goal of keeping Waters at CSU until his retirement. A unique rollover clause in the contract calls for an additional year to be added to the contract at the end of each season, meaning Waters will always have five years remaining on the contract.

"I am excited about the prospects of ending my coaching career at Cleveland State," Waters said. "I was brought here for a purpose, to not only revive this program but elevate both Cleveland State University and the City of Cleveland."

Immediately following the announcement, Waters received a commitment from JUCO big man Kevin Anderson. The 6-10 shot blocker from Dallas is the second of what is expected to be a four man class. Shaker Heights point guard Anthony Wells is already committed for the class of 2009.  Waters can start to sign prospects during the early signing period that runs November 12-19.

"We have four recruits to sign for next year," Waters said. "We will definitely sign two during the early period and we could go as much as three."

Waters heads into the season with a career coaching record of 202-169, including 31-34 in two seasons at CSU. The 2008 Horizon League Coach of the Year has coached into the post-season six times with three teams during his 12-year coaching career. Last season's 21-13 Vikings squad that advanced to face Dayton in the NIT was the first CSU team to qualify for the post-season in 20 seasons.

CSU returns four starters and eight lettermen from last season and enter the year as the favorites in the Horizon League. Seniors J'Nathan Bullock and Cedric Jackson were named to the preseason All-Horizon League first team.

The Vikings open the season at home Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. Fans can take advantage of a buy-one-get-one special by calling the CSU ticket office at 216-687-4848.