MUNCIE, Ind.(NewsLink) — Several members of the Ball State Athletics department were rewarded for the fruits of their labor, following a historically successful school year both in the classroom and on the field.

Athletic Director Beth Goetz received the largest extension from the Ball State Board of Trustees. Having just completed her third year at the helm, Goetz received a six-year extension that will keep her as the department head through 2027. Under Goetz’s guidance, the Cardinals put forth a historic season across the board with two MAC Championships and winning records for a host of other teams. Cardinal student-athletes also set department records for cumulative GPA in three consecutive semesters, culminating in a 3.37 for the Spring of 2021 semester.

Alongside Goetz, the Board of Trustees also approved extensions for four head coaches. This quartet was led by Head Football Coach Mike Neu. Neu’s team claimed its first MAC Championship in 22 years and first bowl game win in school history. For his efforts, Neu was awarded a five-year extension.

Head Baseball Coach Rich Maloney, Head Women’s Basketball Coach Brady Sallee, and Head Men’s Basketball Head Coach James Whitford were all awarded four-year extensions.

“Our head coaches set a championship tone on the field and in the classroom,” said Goetz. “I can’t wait to see this momentum lead us to even greater success in seasons to come.”

Goetz herself was praised by President Geoffrey Mearns, who said, “I am confident in Beth’s ability to lead our Athletics Department on its continued upward trajectory."

In addition to the contract extensions, the board had another reward for the athletics department.

With the sudden impact of the pandemic, the athletic department came into this past school year facing financial uncertainty. As a result, many employees agreed to a voluntary one-time pay cut or work reduction. However, the revenue impact was not as large as had been anticipated, and so the board was able to award the employees their pay reduction back.

All of Thursday’s announcements had previously been approved when deciding the university’s general fund budget in early June. Also included in the budget was the announcement that the department’s budget would remain the same for the upcoming year as it was in 2020-2021.

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