ATHENS, Ga. --- The University of Georgia on Wednesday rewarded head baseball coach David Perno, who led the Diamond Dogs to a runner-up finish in the College World Series, with a new five-year, $2.25 million contract, athletic director Damon Evans said.
Perno will earn $450,000 per season during the next five years, taking the agreement through the 2013 campaign, Evans said. The new contract replaces a five-year deal slated worth more than $300,000 per year.
"We're excited about the future of the Bulldog baseball program," Perno said in a news release. "I'm very pleased with the opportunity to be at Georgia and hope to be here a long time."
Perno, an Athens native, is one of only a dozen coaches to lead three teams to the College World Series in their first seven seasons as a head coach.
Perno was an infielder on the Bulldogs' 1990 NCAA Championship squad, and he was an assistant coach for Georgia's 2001 team that won the Southeastern Conference Championship.
Since succeeding Ron Polk as head coach in '02, Perno has led Georgia to the '04, '06 and '08 College World Series, highlighted by a runner-up effort in June.
Perno was named the '04 National Coach of the Year by Baseball America and College Baseball Insider, when he led Georgia to a share of the SEC title and a third-place showing at the College World Series. He was named SEC Coach of the Year in '04 and '08.
IN OTHER NEWS
Source says assistant has earned promotion
COLUMBIA --- The College of Charleston is set to name South Carolina assistant Monte Lee as baseball coach, according to a person close to the Cougars' athletic department.
Lee would replace John Pawlowski, the Cougars' longtime coach hired for a similar position with Auburn. Lee would likely be introduced on campus today, according to a source who did not wish to be identified because the announcement had not been made. Lee's hiring was first reported by The Post and Courier .
Lee played outfield for the Cougars from 1996-99 and was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 39th round following his senior year. He's spent the past six seasons on South Carolina's staff and served as recruiting coordinator this past year.
-- Associated Press
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