Worcester, MA -- Holy Cross head football coach Tom Gilmore has received a two-year contract extension that will run through 2009.

"I am excited about improvements we have been able to make over the last two years," said Gilmore. "I am also appreciative that Holy Cross has shown the commitment and support we need to reach our goals. In the years to come, I look forward to returning Holy Cross to the top of the Patriot League."

Gilmore and the Crusaders went 6-5 with a 3-3 record in the Patriot League, good enough for fourth place in the conference. He's got a 9-13 career record at Holy Cross, but has won nine of the last 17.

Since Gilmore took over, nine different Crusaders have earned either All- Patriot League or All-New England honors, including two-time All American senior tailback Steve Silva who was named 2005 Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year and Special Teams Player of the Year.

"We are very happy with all aspects of the football program, and we look forward to many more years of Tom's leadership," said athletic director, Richard M. Regan Jr. "