Dec. 10, 2012

Henderson inks contract extension at Southern Illinois

Southern Illinois head coach Ken Henderson (left) recently signed a contract extension through the 2014 season.

Henderson is entering his third season as head coach of the Salukis. SIU went 31-28 this past season and advanced to the championship game of the 2012 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. The Salukis had two players selected in the MLB Draft. All-American Chris Serritella was picked in the fourth round by the Philadelphia Phillies, while lefty Nathan Dorris went in the 17th round to the Chicago Cubs.

Entering his 23rd season at SIU, Henderson joined the Salukis’ coaching staff in 1990. He was promoted to associate head coach in 1993 and was named interim head coach for the 2011 season following the death of head coach Dan Callahan.

The team has been strong in the classroom as well. The Salukis had a combined GPA of 3.229 in the fall of 2011, the highest GPA for the baseball team in 20 years. Of the 32 players on the roster that semester, 25 posted a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

In November, Henderson announced the signing of 12 players for the 2014 season. It was one of the largest in program history.

SIU is currently working on fundraising efforts for major renovations of Abe Martin Field, which will include the installation of lights along with a new playing surface and grandstand. Construction is scheduled to begin following the 2013 season.

(photo courtesy of SIU Media Relations Office)