Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

JONESBORO — Arkansas State University baseball coach Tommy Raffo has been awarded a five-year contract extension, Chancellor Tim Hudson announced Wednesday afternoon. Raffo’s contract has been amended to run through the year 2017.

"We are pleased Coach Raffo will continue to help elevate the status of ASU baseball and our drive toward higher achievement," Hudson said. "His influence and leadership are invaluable to both our student-athletes and our overall athletic programs."

Raffo, who was named ASU’s fifth head baseball coach on July 1, 2008, previously received a three-year extension July 1, 2011, which would have run through 2014 prior to the announced amendment.

Raffo thanked Hudson, system president Chuck Welch and outgoing Athletic Director Dean Lee for the continuation.

"My family and I are very happy in Jonesboro and appreciate all the support from ASU and the community," Raffo said. "We have an incredibly talented group of returning players and recruits. I am excited about our team and our coaching staff, and there is no doubt in my mind that we are building the best program in the conference. The staff and I will continue to work hard and keep ASU baseball moving forward."

Under Raffo, Arkansas State finished last season 34-23, and 19-9 in the Sun Belt Conference. The Red Wolves were a half-game out of first place at the end of the season. The final month saw ASU win 11 of its final 15 games, including a victory over No. 22 Ole Miss before ending the season with a run to the finals of the conference tournament in Bowling Green, Ky.

After leading the Red Wolves to one of their most successful seasons, Raffo was named Arkansas Coach of the Year by Natural State Baseball, while senior pitcher Jacob Lee won the Natural Award, given annually to the best player from the state.

Raffo, who will be starting his fifth season, was also voted the Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year.