Hall picks up encouraging feedback in contract talk

<blockquote><p align=justify>A positive first step has been taken in hopes of keeping J. Kelley Hall as the head coach of women's basketball for Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns.

Hall met with UL Athletic Director Nelson Schexnayder Tuesday morning to discuss extending his stay at the school after the 2004-2005 Cajuns won the Sun Belt Conference Western Division title and reached the championship game of the Sun Belt Tournament.

"It was a really good first meeting," said Hall, who is 43-43 in three years with the program. "I'm very encouraged. I think Nelson and Dr. (Ray) Authement want to get this done.

"We talked about a multi-year deal. They didn't release any figures, but I know they want to check with some of the other programs in the league about what they're paying their coaches.

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Bruce Brown
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"Nelson wants me to get with my guy (Boulder, Colorado, agent John Meadows) and put some stuff together. I'm smart enough to realize there's not a lot of money here, but I feel I've earned more than I've got."

Under Hall, the Cajuns finished 22-9 last season, including the most Division I victories (21) in school history. It was the first 20-win season at the school since 1983-84, and the first winning campaign since 1987-88.

The Cajuns were 13-0 at home, playing the majority of their home games at Earl K. Long Gym on campus, behind two-time All-Sun Belt Conference performer Anna Petrakova.

Hall met recently with his financial advisor regarding retirement planning and has been in touch with Meadows regarding other job openings in women's basketball.

"It's the time of year when other jobs start popping," Hall said. "It's a revolving door."
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Sign him. Whatever it takes, sign coach Hall

This is the article i have been waiting for...Sign him up for the next few years and take this program to a place it has never been.