Men's Cross Country 7/26/2022 3:46:00 PM

Martin Named Interim Head Track & Field and Cross Country Coach

LIVINGSTON - Sterling Martin has been named interim head coach for both track and field and cross country at the University of West Alabama, according to an announcement by Director of Athletics Kent Partridge.

The addition to head coaching duties Martin already holds in cross country, he will now also oversee UWA track and field beginning August 1. He replaces Kirby Walker as head track and field coach after Walker left UWA for another position.

"I am tremendously honored to add the head men's and women's track and field coach to my already head men's and women's cross country responsibilities," Martin said. "I would like to thank Athletic Director Kent Partridge and President Dr. Ken Tucker for the faith and trust they have shown in me with this increased role within the athletic department."

Martin came to West Alabama in 2018 as the head cross country coach but has a history of holding the reins on both programs before coming to UWA. He served as the head men's and women's cross country and track coach at Missouri University of Science and Technology for 14 years. Previous head coaching stops include men's cross country and track at Bowling Green (1998-02) and men's cross country at Drake (1993-98).

"We are glad that Coach Martin is a member of our UWA athletic family and even more excited for his plans to guide track and field as well now," Partridge said. "Sterling knows our student-athletes, knows the UWA community and has experience as a head coach."

He has also served as assistant men's and women's track and field coach at Drake (1990-98), as well as holding volunteer coaching posts at Iowa State (1989-90) and Northern Iowa (1987-89).

Martin earned Great Lake Conference coach of the year honors four times while winning three GLVC Outdoor Championships and one GLVC Indoor Championship. He has coached nine Capital One Academic All-Americans, 31 school record holders, 29 conference championship performers and five All-Americans. Student-athletes under Martin's supervision graduate at over 90 percent.

He has also served as both first and second vice-president from Division II track and field for the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

Martin earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education from Drake in 1987. He has also earned the TAC Coaches Training Program Level II Distance and Endurance in 1996, in Sprints and Hurdles in 1991 and the TAC Coaches Level I in 1990.

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