Washington State has extended the contract of football coach Bill Doba for two years through the 2009 season.

The move is viewed both as a meaningful vote of confidence in Doba and as a counteroffensive to schools that are using Doba's age — 64 — against WSU in recruiting.

Doba has led the Cougars to a 15-9 record in two seasons, including the 10-3 campaign in 2003, when the Cougars finished ranked ninth in the final Associated Press poll.

The extension comes with a boost in Doba's salary from $440,000 a year (base pay and collateral pay) to $490,000.

WSU was willing to sign Doba to a fatter contract than it did when he replaced Mike Price, but Doba insisted that the money be used to increase assistants' salaries.

In announcing the contract extension, athletic director Jim Sterk said yesterday in a prepared statement that Doba "has excelled in his role as the head coach of Cougars. He has put together a great staff which will continue to lead WSU in the future."

Doba said in a press release that he was extremely grateful for the new contract.

More commitments

Washington State received two oral commitments over the weekend and reportedly got two more yesterday.

Defensive tackle Joseph Townsend, 6 feet 4, 265 pounds, from Valley Christian in San Jose, Calif., committed during the weekend. His credentials include 4.9-second speed in the 40-yard dash and being an all-league selection.

Also committing to the Cougars was Cory Evans, 6-2, 215, who played safety and running back for Northwood High School in Lena, La. The all-state safety is projected as an outside linebacker at WSU.

An Internet source reported last night that two linebackers from Texas — Greg Trent, 5-11, 220, from Keller High School and Jason Stripling, 6-0, 215, from 5A state-champion Lee High School in Tyler, have committed to WSU.

As a high-school defensive back, Stripling returned interceptions for touchdowns in the Texas semifinal and championship games.

The recruiting class stands at 17, plus three 2004 recruits who didn't enroll until three weeks ago. It could grow to 23.

Four recruits are from Texas, including Keller High School teammates Trent and running back DeMaundray Woolridge.

Only three of the 2005 recruits are from Washington high schools. They are cornerback Shelton Danzy from Rainier Beach, wide receiver Brandon Gibson of Rogers High in Puyallup and offensive lineman Kenny Alfred of Gig Harbor.

Craig Smith: 206-464-8279 or csmith@seattletimes.com