Hawaii gives Coolen extension and raise

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Coach Bob Coolen emphasizes where his players are in the order for each at-bat over where they are to start the game.

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University of Hawaii softball coach Bob Coolen led the Rainbow Wahine into their first full practice of the spring on Tuesday with a new contract freshly secured.

The university recently finalized a five-year deal keeping Coolen with the program through the 2017 season and raising his pay to $112,008.

Coolen had two years left on his previous contract, which paid him $101,008, and began discussions on an extension with former UH athletic director Jim Donovan last February.

Coolen’s contract was eventually finalized by interim AD Rockne Freitas and approved by UH president M.R.C. Greenwood and the HGEA. Coolen received the document last Friday.

Coolen said he initially asked for a three-year extension and didn’t seek the pay increase, which Donovan later included in the proposal.

"I said I’m not really worried about the money. … I wanted a little bit of security," Coolen said.

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"That was something that was very much appreciated," he said of the raise.

Coolen, the third-longest tenured coach at UH, is entering his 22nd season with the program with a record of 798-454-1.

He’s led the Rainbow Wahine to four conference championships and 10 NCAA tournament appearances, including a 2010 trip to the Women’s College World Series. Hawaii is coming off a 44-9 season and opens the new campaign Feb. 7 against Mississippi and UAB.