Jody Martinez Leaving BC

[The Pilot]

www.elkharttruth.com/news/schools/bethel-college/2014/05/07/Jody-Martinez-leaving-Bethel-College-for-Southeastern-University-in-Florida.html

Southeastern definitely recognizes talent when they see it. They are in constant pursuit of the best coaches in the nation....(2 of which came from Bethel.) Bethel's now in a tough place losing great people within their department like Martinez. I'm really happy for Jody and that he gets to coach at an institution who truly values athletics, placing it at a very high priority.
Bethel doesn't seem to get that kind of support like Southeastern does, from what I can see. Unfortunately, it looks like the new president's vision seems to have people running for the exits and looking for better opportunities. I can't say I blame them. Best of luck to Jody!

[blue2blue]

I just read about Martinez' leaving BC. He did an outstanding job at Bethel, but sometimes a new challenge may be in order. I know the long-time softball coach, Welch, went down there last year. I wonder if she had a big role in his getting the job? This past season was perhaps the poorest in his tenure, and I wonder if that had something to do with moving on. He or whoever comes next will have to continue a major rebuilding job of the ladies program next year.

I know nothing about the new president, so will withhold judgment on that front. It's unfortunate if true that he doesn't support as strongly the athletic programs. I think past presidents seemed to have been behind their sports' programs pretty well.

I hope they are able to get an enthusiastic and knowledgable coach there. Kristi Kaniewski-Ulrich the highly successful head coach at Penn, and BC grad, comes to mind. I seriously doubt, though, that she would consider leaving Penn with the talent and future she has there.

[blue2blue]

Good luck to Coach Martinez.

[Deleted]

Wow! In my mind, and from where I see things, Coach Martinez was about as inseparable from Bethel College as Coach Lightfoot is. Interesting for sure.