Maturi gets two-year contract extension

By FROM STAFF REPORTS, Star Tribune

Last update: September 3, 2008 - 9:14 PM

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University of Minnesota Athletic Director Joel Maturi has received a two-year contract extension through the 2011-2012 school year. University President Bob Bruininks signed the extension late last month.

"I am pleased to be here and this is where I want to end my career," said Maturi, 63, "and I fully expect to do so." Two years ago this month, Maturi's contract was extended three years through the 2009-2010 school year.

Maturi, who came to Minnesota in 2002, will receive an annual salary of $345,000 beginning in January. That's an increase of $30,000 per year from the 2006 extension.

Maturi also will receive annual supplemental retirement account payments. They start at $75,000, which he was due in June according to his revised contract, and grow to $100,000 after the 2011-2012 school year. He received $250,000 in retirement money on June 30, 2007.

"If my health is good and the president [Bruininks] wants me, I'm excited to be part of [the university]," Maturi said. "I feel good about the progress we've made, but there is a lot more to do."

Maturi said he wants to improve graduation rates for athletes and facilities for many of the Gophers' teams. A new baseball stadium is at the top of his facilities' to-do list.

"The good news is," he said, "we are preparing to go out and raise money [for a ballpark] relatively soon."

Maturi's annual salary is believed to rank in the middle of Big Ten athletic directors.

• Minnesota released its 2008-09 men's basketball schedule Wednesday. The Gophers open the season against Concordia-St. Paul on Nov. 14, and will play 10 of their 12 nonconference games at Williams Arena. The Gophers face Michigan State in their Big Ten home opener Dec. 31. Coach Tubby Smith said the team's nonconference slate would help the Gophers transition into conference play.

"If we do what we're supposed to do, everything will take care of itself," Smith said.

See schedule in scoreboard on C13.

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