UWA tabs Martin for cross country coaching spot

LIVINGSTON – Veteran cross country and track and field coach Sterling Martin has been named the new head cross country coach at the University of West Alabama, according to an announcement today by Director of Athletics Stan Williamson.

“First, I would like to thank President (Ken) Tucker and Director of Athletics Stan Williamson for giving me the opportunity to lead the men’s and women’s cross country teams while assisting Coach Patterson with the track and field teams.” Martin said. “I am excited to get started with the season and work with the young men and women in the program.”

Martin comes to West Alabama after serving as the head men’s and women’s cross country and track coach at Missouri University of Science and Technology for the last 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 excited to have Coach Sterling Martin join the UWA Tiger family as our new head cross country coach,” Williamson said. “Sterling brings experience as a head coach and a successful background from both NCAA Division I and Division II programs.”

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. Miner student-athletes under Martin’s supervision have graduated at over 90 percent over the last 14 years.

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.