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Martin Leaving as EMU Athletic Director

Larry R. Martin

Larry R. Martin has submitted his resignation as athletic director at EMU, Harrisonburg, Va.

In an October 11 letter to Dr. Kenneth L. Nafziger, vice president for student life, Martin stated his intention to resign, effective Oct. 22, 2004.

Martin became athletic director at EMU on July 1, 2001. Before that, he was associate director of athletics for external affairs at Towson (Md.) University, a Division I member of the Colonial Athletic Association.

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

According to Nafziger, "Larry came to EMU with evangelistic energy and zeal. As the first full-time AD, he brought EMU athletics into the 21st century.

"Larry made athletic events appealing to students, faculty, staff, and community members alike," Nafziger added. "Halftimes at basketball games became 'don't miss' events. In addition, his background as a CPA helped him do an outstanding job of managing a complex budget for 17 sports. He is leaving the program in great shape for his successor."

During his three years at EMU, Martin greatly increased revenue from athletic ticket sales, concessions and advertising sales. In addition, the university received an NCAA Initiative Grant which was used to create TEAM EMU, a working relationship among the athletics, admissions and financial aid departments.

"We’ve accomplished a lot in these three plus years. I am especially pleased with our efforts to develop greater respect in the community and ODAC for EMU athletics," Martin said. "We also added an Academic Achievement Award for each of our teams, created the Student Athlete Advisory Council and had our first student representation at an NCAA-sponsored APPLE conference. This fall we’ve unveiled the first LiveStats program in the ODAC where fans can follow our games interactively on the internet."

Martin worked closely with Loyal Royals, the athletics booster club at EMU. He oversaw the upgrading of the EMU Hall of Honor to include a Loyal Royals' breakfast held annually at homecoming to honor new inductees. Facility improvements included repainting of the running track and scoreboards, an SID portable shelter and renovations to the women's softball field, including new dugouts dedicated on Oct. 9. A well-received new school athletic logo was unveiled last spring.

"The Loyal Royals has enjoyed working with Larry over the past three years," said club president John Bomberger. "He was instrumental in helping the club increase its income by encouraging current coaches and athletes to call former athletes, coaches and alumni for contributions and by helping to expand the Loyal Royals annual golf tournament to include more local sponsors and people from the greater Harrisonburg area. He has made a significant contribution to EMU athletics and will be missed."

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. During his tenure, EMU also hosted the Molten Final 4 in men's volleyball and the first-ever NCAA women's basketball tournament home game.

Martin, a native of Greencastle, Pa., will assume a management position in 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."

— article by: Jim Bishop; posted October 13, 2004