Thomas signs extension to remain head coach through 2010-2011 season
July 22, 2008
ARLINGTON, Texas - The University of Texas at Arlington and head baseball coach Darin Thomas have agreed on a contract extension that will keep Thomas with the Mavericks through 2010-2011, pending approval by The University of Texas System Board of Regents next month, Director of Athletics Pete Carlon announced.
Following Thomas' first season as the head coach in 2008, UT Arlington doubled its win total from the previous season finishing sixth in the Southland Conference while recording 26 victories.
The Mavericks' success in 2008 included wins over three nationally-ranked opponents (Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas A&M) and a win streak that captured 12 victories during a 14-game period. Freshman Michael Choice also had a breakthrough season landing on five Freshman All-American squads and earning Southland Conference Freshman of the Year honors.
In the classroom the Mavericks posted a team cumulative grade point average better than 3.0 in 2007-08, with 24 student-athletes named to the Athletic Director's Academic Honor Roll.
"We are very pleased that Darin Thomas has agreed to this new three-year contract to continue serving as our head baseball coach," Carlon said. "Because of Darin's leadership, public relations, coaching and administrative skills, our baseball program has made a dramatic turnaround, both on the field and in the classroom. He has certainly earned this new employment agreement."
Thomas was named the sixth head baseball coach in UT Arlington history on Nov. 15, 2007. Thomas will begin his ninth season on the UT Arlington baseball staff next season. He was an assistant coach for seven years before leading the squad as head coach in 2008.
