Gaines’ Pact Is Extended : Three More Years for San Diego State Coach

San Diego State men’s basketball coach David “Smokey” Gaines was awarded a three-year extension on his contract, it was announced Thursday by San Diego State Athletic Director Mary Alice Hill.

Gaines’ contract extension, of which terms were undisclosed, will keep him as SDSU’s head man until April 1, 1989.

“I’m elated to know they have this much faith in me,” said Gaines, in a statement released to the school’s media relations office. “I’ve always liked San Diego, and it’s good to know that I can stay.”

Gaines was voted as the Western Athletic Conference’s Coach of the Year this past season for leading the Aztecs to their best-ever record at the Division I level (23-8) and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Gaines is 97-73 in his six years at the San Diego State helm.

“David’s done a terrific job, and we feel fortunate to tie him up for three more years,” Hill said.

Gaines, who at season’s end said that San Diego State would have to start playing some big-name schools from the East in order to gain more national recognition, will now get that chance.

“We would definitely like to begin scheduling some major basketball powers,” Hill said. “We wanted David to be able to feel secure enough to do that.”