WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1999

Men's basketball coach returns

By Wes Woods

On-Line Forty-Niner

Yes, men's basketball coach Wayne Morgan will be back for his fourth year in a five year contract.

Long Beach State athletic director Bill Shumard confirmed on Tuesday that Morgan would be returning next season to coach the 49ers.

Schumard said he wanted to see if the team would make significant progress and he felt it had.

"The team was second place (in the Big West Western Division) and a semi-finalist in the conference (tournament). He returns the whole team, which I feel is on the verge of doing something good."

Morgan's career record in his three years is 35-47 (.427). His record in the Big West Conference tournament is now 1-3. Morgan earned his first victory in the tournament Friday over Idaho, 81-76, before losing to Boise State 71-58.

"I'm very happy to be brought back to coach my team," Morgan said.

"It's the first time since I've been here that (the team has) had continuity (from the previous season), so we're all excited about it," he said.