The Ball State University field hockey team snapped its school-record, 11-game losing streak Sunday, but coach Annette Payne's job still appears to be in jeopardy.
Athletics director Tom Collins did not say Payne's job was in danger, but gave no reassurances either.
"We evaluate all our coaches at the conclusion of the season," Collins said.
Evaluations are based on the coach's record, recruiting, budget compliance and a variety of other things, Collins said.
Payne declined to comment on her job situation.
"That's not something I'm thinking about right now," Payne said. "We're in the middle of the season, that wouldn't be fair to focus on that at this moment."
Like most coaches at Ball State, Payne is under a one-year contract that has to be renewed annually.
In 2000 the Cardinals set the previous school-record with a nine-game losing streak and finished with a 1-9 Mid-American Conference record. Coach Karen Fitzpatrick did not return the next year, despite her 11 MAC Coach of the Year awards and 285 wins in 20 years.
In Payne's five previous years at Ball State, the team won less than nine games. In six years as head coach Payne is 31-77 overall and 22-34 in the MAC.
The Cardinals are 2-12 this year and tied for fifth in the MAC with a 1-5 record. Collins said there is still time to turn this season around.
"I hope until [the evaluation] the team does really good," Collins said. "The kids are working hard, they're out there everyday pounding away."
Click here to view Annette Payne's contract
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
