By Danny Waldo
In the world of “What have you done for me lately?” sports, Montana State is counting on bigger and better things yet to come after signing head men’s basketball coach Brian Fish to a new three-year deal recently.
Fish, who was entering the final year of his original three-year contract, appears to have the trajectory of the men’s basketball program headed in the right direction, at least enough so that the current administration felt comfortable in keeping him around despite a less than stellar record after two seasons in charge.
However, those two seasons have not been without marked improvement in the program. The ‘Cats improved from a 7-23 campaign in Fish’s first season, doubling their win total in year two, finishing at 14-16 with a winning record in conference play at 9-8. But increased wins were not the only improvement.
The roster has been completely overhauled, bringing much needed talent to Bozeman, including Freshman of the Year Tyler Hall, and attendance is on the rise as well, giving Brick Breeden Fieldhouse the feel of a home court for the first time in years.
The challenge now will be for Fish to live up to his new contract that gives him a raise in pay from $148, 512 to $158, 300. The new contract includes $65,000 dollars in bonuses connected to radio and television appearances ($45,000), and for participating in fundraising and booster events ($20,000). Fish could also earn an additional $2,500 to $10,000 if the program achieves in the classroom and on the court, boosting ticket sales and earning individual or team postseason recognition.
Fish’s new contract was originally reviewed in May by the Board of Regents, but final signatures were not added until recently, making the contract official as of July 1, 2016. The contract runs through June 30, 2019.
Danny Waldo is a local freelance writer covering Montana State and Bozeman High School athletics.
