May 21, 2007

CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Jim Whitesell was rewarded for turning Loyola of Chicago into a winner.

Whitesell was given a contract extension through 2011-12 season on Monday after guiding the Ramblers to their first 20-win season in 21 years.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Whitesell, 47, helped Loyola to a 21-11 record this past season, including a third-place showing in the Horizon League. It was the best campaign for the school since a 27-6 showing and an NCAA Tournament berth in 1984-85.

"I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue as the coach at Loyola," Whitesell said. "This extension definitely will help us in terms of recruiting since kids know that we will be around for the foreseeable future." The Ramblers did it with defense last season, holding opponents to 64.8 points. It was their lowest opponent scoring average since 1950-51.

In three seasons, Whitesell has posted a 53-39 record with Loyola, including a 19-11 campaign in 2005-06.