End of season sees department changes

With the athletic season over, the department has made some changes.

Men's basketball coach Wayne Morgan signed a three-year contact extension that will allow him to coach the 49ers through the 2003-04 season. Also in men's basketball, Brent Bargen was named as an assistant coach.

In women's water polo, Rick Azevedo was officially named head coach, no longer serving as the interim coach.

Athletics director Bill Shumard commented on Morgan's new contract.  "I think that coach Morgan sees that there is tremendous potential here," Shumard said. "He is certainly committed to be here and stay here that is why he signed the extension."

Last season, Morgan led the 49ers to a 24-6 record and a trip to the national Invitational Tournament in his third season.  Next season the 49ers will play national powerhouses Stanford at home and at U tah in the preseason.

Bargen joins Long Beach State from Kansas State where he was the director of basketball operations for the past five years.

Azevedo will serve double duty at the 49er pool next season, as he will be the Head Coach for both the men and women's water polo teams. Azevedo said that his goal will be to improve both programs but said that he is looking for assistant coaches.