SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Sacramento State athletic department

announced today that John Volek has received a one-year extension,

lengthening his tenure as the Hornets' head football coach through

the 2003 season.

"The program has been moving in a positive direction during the six

years John Volek has been our head football coach," Sacramento State

Athletic Director Debby Colberg said. "John and his staff have lifted

the program to a level where people and the University can be proud

of Hornet football again."

Since posting a combined 2-20 record in 1997 and 1998, Coach Volek

has guided the program to an 18-15 record over the last three

seasons, including a 7-4 mark in 2000. In addition to the wins,

Sacramento State averaged over 11,000 fans in each of the past two

seasons - the second highest average among Big Sky Conference schools.

"This is a compliment from the administration to me and my staff,"

Volek said. "It indicates to us that both Debby (Colberg) and Dr.

Gerth feel that we are going in the right direction and shows

freshmen that we will be around until the end of their four years."