Cleveland Signs Multi-Year Contract

PROVO -- Brigham Young University announced today that Steve Cleveland has signed a multi-year contract to continue as the school's head basketball coach. Specific terms of the contract were not released.

"We are very pleased with the job Steve has done restoring our basketball program to a championship level," said Val Hale, BYU's Director of Athletics. "Steve enjoys strong support from President Merrill Bateman, the University administration, and the athletic administration. We are happy he will be guiding our team into the future."

Cleveland has achieved a 67-57 record in his four years in Provo. He came to BYU in 1997 from Fresno City College, taking over a BYU program that had just completed a 1-25 season. Last year Cleveland guided BYU to its first NCAA tournament bid since 1995, its first conference regular season title since 1993, and its first conference tournament championship since 1992.

While rebuilding the BYU program, Cleveland has improved the Cougars each season, posting records of 9-21, 12-16, 22-11 and 24-9. The past two seasons rank among the school's best ever in terms of wins. Only five BYU teams have recorded more victories than last year's 24-9 team and only seven have topped the 22-11 record in 1999-2000. BYU advanced to the quarterfinals of the NIT tournament during the 1999-2000 season.

"I appreciate the personal support of President Bateman, Val Hale and the athletic administration," Cleveland said. "I'm grateful for an outstanding staff that has been and continues to be so dedicated to the long-term success of this program. I am also excited for the opportunity to associate with and coach this group of outstanding student-athletes over the next several years. "