Summitt first one to top $1 million
Pat Summitt is the newest millionaire coach – and the first in women’s basketball.
Tennessee raised Summitt’s salary Monday to $1.125 million for next season and extended her contract six years, through the 2011-12 season.
Geno Auriemma of Connecticut, the Lady Vols’ biggest rival, will be the next coach to make over $1 million a year. He signed a five-year contract in 2005 worth a total of $4.85 million. His salary for this coming season is $975,000 and it will increase to $1.05 million for 2007-08.
“What a statement. I’m obviously just honored to be the coach and very thankful to have this opportunity because of so many great staff members,” Summitt, 53, said.
“Texas sophomore forward Mike Williams, the second player off the bench during Texas’ run to the Atlanta Regional final, has decided to leave the school. Texas officials didn’t say to what school Williams was going to transfer.
“Mississippi Valley State assistant men’s basketball coach Cecil Dowell, 45, was killed in a car accident Saturday in Como, Miss., about 45 miles south of Memphis, Tenn.
Hockey
Moncton wins
Brad Marchand had a goal and an assist as Moncton knocked off Petersborough 4-2 in Moncton, New Brunswick, to improve to 2-0 in the round-robin portion of the Memorial Cup.
Petersborough and Quebec are both 1-1 and WHL champion Vancouver is 0-2.
Miscellany
Wilkinson let go
The Detroit Lions released defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson and re-signed linebacker James Davis to a one-year contract.
“Tiger Woods and Ernie Els have created the Friendship Cup, in which junior golfers from their foundations will meet every year in either the U.S. or South Africa to play a three-day match and learn about the others’ background and cultures.
“Olympic silver medalist Hezekiel Sepeng was suspended for two years by Athletics South Africa for doping. Sepeng won the silver in the 800 meters in the 1996 Atlanta Games.
“Olympic champion Paolo Bettini edged Olaf Pollack in a group sprint to win the 15th stage of the Giro d’Italia in Brescia, Italy. Ivan Basso retained the overall lead.
“Croatia, behind wins from by Ivan Ljubicic and the doubles team of Ljubicic and Ivo Karlovic, took a 2-1 lead over the U.S. at the World Team Cup in Düsseldorf, Germany.