Walden Extends Deal of GM Goodell

Walden – The Walden Warriors and General Manager Paul Goodell came to terms on a contract extension Tuesday.

Goodell was hired during the 2007 season. During the 2 years prior to 2007, the Warriors’ record was 315-423-56 (.432 Win PCT). The Warriors won their league-leading 3rd ICA championship in 2009.

“The Warriors have been good to me,” said Goodell. “I've been a Walden Warrior since my first day in the Illinois Chooch Association, and I'm happy that we could come to an agreement that will keep me [here] for the long term.”

“Paul’s presence has helped this organization turn around 360 degrees,” said owner Tom Lyons from his Madison, WI home.

“He means 180 degrees,” replied Goodell.

Lyons continued, “Our team has come a long way with Paul on the clock. He’s saved us from a number of boneheaded decisions, any one of which could easily have set our team back years.”

Before hiring Goodell, the Warriors had worsened substantially after 3 consecutive playoff appearances – including back-to-back Fuggin Finals championships – in the league’s first three years.

“We sucked ass,” said Lyons. “Crikes, JD Closser was our starting catcher one year. What the hell were we thinking? We won it all [last season] because we nailed the drafts in 2008 and 2009. That was largely Paul’s doing,” he said.

Goodell’s current deal with Walden expires in February of 2011. He will now remain under contract through the 2013 ICA season with a club option for 2014.

He continued, “Now that the contract situation is dealt with, I look forward to putting all of my energies toward helping the Warriors repeat as champions of the Illinois Chooch Association."

Financial terms of the extension were not disclosed. Goodell is rumored to be the ICA’s highest paid general manager.