EMU athletic director resigns

Martin

Larry R. Martin submitted his resignation as athletic director in an Oct. 11 letter to vice president of student life, Kenneth L. Nafziger. His resignation will take effect Oct. 22.

Martin became athletic director (AD) at EMU on July 1, 2001. During his three years in this position, he greatly increased revenue from athletic ticket sales, concessions, and advertising sales. Other accomplishments for the athletic department during Martin's tenure include facility improvements and renovations, a new athletic logo, an Academic Achievement Award for each team, creation of the Student Athlete Advisory Council, and being the first ODAC school to use a LiveStats program so that fans can follow games interactively on the Internet.

"I am especially pleased with our efforts to develop greater respect in the community and ODAC for EMU athletics," he said.

According to Nafziger, "Larry made athletic events appealing to students, faculty, staff, and community members alike. He is leaving the program in great shape for his successor."

Martin was known for his creative promotion of athletic events, presenting such events as Free Haircut Night, Dog Fly Ball and "Cheapskate Sweetheart Date" at basketball games.

Martin, a native of Greencastle, Pa., will assume a management position in a private business on the eastern shore later this fall.

"After talking to Larry, I understood that the timing for him was right and the opportunity might not be there next July," Nafziger said.

Recent quotes in the local media caused some confusion.

"It was unfortunate that my interdepartmental discussions of these possibilities was shared prematurely with the press," Martin said. "My intent was simply to give athletic department members a heads-up on what I was considering. I didn't want to cause a distraction during last weekend's homecoming festivities where I had many responsibilities. I very much wanted to fulfill these duties before leaving," he added.

"I am leaving with many fond memories and wish the Royal student-athletes and coaches much success in the future," Martin said.

Nafziger said he expects to name an interim AD and then institute a broader search in the spring, adding: "EMU is committed to bringing in the best person we can find who is an overall good fit for this important role in the student life division."

The director of athletics oversees the 17 intercollegiate sports programs at EMU, providing overall leadership, advocacy, and strategic planning.