June 26, 2012

It was announced on Monday by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) that Jeff Martinez of the University of Redlands was named the 2011-12 West Region Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year for NCAA Division III. He is one of 29 honorees who will be recognized at the James J. Corbett Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, June 27, at NACDA's 47th Annual Convention in Dallas, TX.

The recipients include one from each of the four regions for all seven of the membership categories (Football Bowl; Football Championship; NCAA Division I, II, and III; NAIA; and Junior/Community Colleges), along with one international selection.

"I am honored to be recognized and humbled to be in the company of the other honorees," Martinez commented. "It is nice to have my work acknowledged by my peers, but the true reward is the thanks from the young people who enjoy the experience, graduate from the University of Redlands, and are Bulldogs for Life."

Martinez became the Director of Athletics and Physical Education at Redlands in July of 2000. Having served on the Bulldog staff since 1983, Martinez moved into this role as an experienced member of the department. While working as the Head Athletic Trainer, he was promoted to Assistant Director of Athletics and later named Associate Director of Athletics.

"This award is richly deserved by Jeff and one that I know he will appreciate, but it is something that he would never seek. He is motivated by providing opportunities for student-athletes to compete to win and to develop their full potential as graduates who will make a significant difference in the world," stated University of Redlands President, Dr. James Appleton. "No one works harder and with more competency as an athletic director than Jeff and we are so proud of this recognition that he has received."

Under Martinez's leadership, the Bulldogs have won three Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) All-Sports trophies (2005, 2007, and 2008) and finished second in the remaining years of his tenure. In addition, Redlands has landed as high as 16th in the annual NACDA Learfield Directors' Cup race. During the 2011-12 academic year, the Maroon and Gray won four conference titles, with 18 of the 21 programs finishing in the top four of the SCIAC. Furthermore, 12 teams were represented at the NCAA Division III Championships.

"I am glad that Jeff is being recognized for his determination and hard work that have led to his and the Bulldogs' success," commented Dr. Chris Walker, former Faculty Athletic Representative at Redlands. "The coaches can focus on coaching the young people on their teams because Jeff is there partnering with them to navigate any administrative hurtles along the way, allowing all of their energy to be focused on their sports."

Since moving into administration, Martinez has served as the chair of the SCIAC athletic administrators group and the chair of the NCAA Championships Committee. Currently, he serves as the chair of the NCAA DIII Management Council, which includes involvement in the NCAA DIII Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sport Committee, and DIII Academic Issues Sub-committee.

"I am grateful for the support and nomination but I don't go to work every day to be recognized," Martinez added. "It is all about providing a quality NCAA DIII student-athlete experience and opportunities for the many young people who benefit from the commitment and efforts of so many outstanding folks in our department and on our campus."

Passionate about service, this recipient of the Frank J. Rice Award, which is the University's highest honor for sustained service, sets the tone for the teams' involvement in this important aspect of citizenship. Redlands' teams have been honored on three occasions by NADIIIAA/Jostens for outstanding community service. These efforts included a two-week project of mucking out houses in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and raising money with swim-a-thon for Haiti relief. Both projects included Martinez as one of the leading participants, serving as an excellent example of community involvement.

For a complete list of 2011-12 Under Armour AD of the Year Awards, please visit www.nacda.com.