Five Southeast Missouri head coaches were recently awarded contract extensions following a successful 2019-20 season that included four Ohio Valley Conference titles and three NCAA berths.
Head football coach Tom Matukewicz received a six-year extension. Women’s basketball coach Rekha Patterson received a five-year extension. Volleyball coach Julie Yankus and women’s soccer coach Heather Nelson each received a three-year extension, and baseball coach Andy Sawyers received two additional years.
Director of Athletics Brady Barke praised the four coaches for having the special ability to develop their student-athletes both on and off the field. He went on to speak about the positive impact that their programs have had on the University and community, and that they’ll have the opportunity to build upon their recent success.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic brought the 2019-20 athletic season to a screeching halt, SEMO already had won OVC regular-season titles in football and women's soccer, and OVC Tournament crowns in volleyball and women's basketball.
Upon the completion of the fall and winter sports seasons, and 17 baseball games, 17 softball contests and 10 tennis matches into the spring, SEMO was first in the OVC Commissioner's Cup race with 80.75 points. The Redhawks held nearly a six-point advantage (5.75) over Murray State (75 pts.). SEMO also collected a school record 44 conference wins between the fall and winter sports seasons.
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