San Benito gives football coach Mario Pena extension
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SAN BENITO - Antonio Limon, San Benito superintendent, put all rumors to rest Wednesday morning.
During the news conference announcing the South Texas Football Classic next fall, Limon also made note of Mario Pena's one-year contract extension with the school district. Pena is San Benito's head football coach and athletic director, but there had been buzz throughout the Rio Grande Valley that 2008 may have been Pena's last with the Greyhounds.
"He's done a lot not just for our football program but our athletic department as a whole," Limon said.
"I hope he continues to be with us for years to come. Or at least until he retires."
Pena --- who currently has a yearly salary of approximately $96,000 --- is entitled to a raise at the end of the year like all district employees, Limon said. Pena was excited about remaining with the Greyhounds one more season.
"In our line of work we're in the business of being replaced," Pena said. "It comes with the territory. There's always going to be rumors out there but I'm excited to continue working with the kids here in San Benito."
Pena took over for Carlous Stone and turned around a program in disarray. Pena's Greyhounds were 4-6 during his first season in 2003 but fielded one of the most talented squads in school history the next season, going 12-1 on the season. Pena followed that with three straight 7-4 campaigns. San Benito made the playoffs four straight seasons but missed out this year finishing 6-4.
Overall Pena has a record of 43-23 at San Benito.
But it's what the greyhounds' other athletic teams have accomplished that ensure Pena's legacy at San Benito.
For more updates to this story keep checking back to RGVSports.com throughout the day.
