Gardner-Webb University announced a contract extension Thursday for Big South Conference Coach of the Year Chris Holtmann through the 2018 season.

Holtmann, 41, recently completed a tremendously successful third season in charge of the Gardner-Webb program. Terms of the contract and extension will not be disclosed.

"I am very excited about the direction and culture of our program, and grateful for the opportunity we’ve been given at Gardner-Webb," said Holtmann. "We have seen tremendous growth all three of our years here, it was just a little more noticeable this past season with 21 wins and a postseason berth. Our first two recruiting classes have matured and taken ownership of the program – which is very rewarding to see as a coach.

"We have such a long way to go to be able to sustain success during the inevitable peaks and valleys a program can go through. I am thrilled to continue to work every day toward that with a tremendous staff and a great group of kids who I care for very much. Winning is always difficult and requires unbelievable commitment. Having said that, I look forward to leading our program here in valuing people and process in our continued pursuit of a championship."

Holtmann led Gardner-Webb to a 21-13 record in 2012-2013, earning Big South Conference Coach of the Year and NABC District III Coach of the Year honors following the season. His Runnin’ Bulldogs finished second in the league’s South Division, just one game shy of the best record in the league. Gardner-Webb was the only Big South Conference team to reach 20 wins this past season, and boasted the highest RPI in the league at the end of the regular season.

Holtmann was also a finalist for the Hugh Durham Award, given annually to the top mid-major coach in the nation.

"The job done by Chris and his staff over the past three seasons, and particularly the most recent season, have exceeded expectations in rebuilding our basketball program," said Vice President for Athletics Chuck Burch. "The young men who step on the court each night represent our university at a high level, through both their level of play and character. That is a reflection of the values Chris and the coaching staff impart daily."

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