Bill Martin's Legacy as Michigan Athletic Director

On March 6, 2000, the University of Michigan named William “Bill” C. Martin the interim Intercollegiate Athletics Director. Five months later, Martin would officially take over as Director of Athletics.

Since that time, Michigan teams won 72 conference, regular season, or tournament championships, 35 top-five national finishes, and two national championships in women’s field hockey and softball, respectively.

Martin received his BA from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, a graduate degree from the University of Stockholm, Sweden, as well as earned his M.B.A degree from the University of Michigan in 1965.

In 1968 Martin founded First Martin Corporation, a notable real estate firm. He also serves as president of the Washtenaw Country Land Conservancy, is a board member of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Foundation, serves as president of the U.S Sailing Foundation, and has been on the U.S Olympic Committee since 1995.

At the turn of the century, the Athletic program was hindered by a $2.8 million dollar deficit and humiliated by an infamous basketball scandal that left Bill Martin responsible for picking up the pieces, and reinvigorating a nationally renowned program.

It is safe to say that the Athletic Director left the University of Michigan and the Athletic Department in better shape than he found it.

Although Bill Martin is distinguished by many respectable accomplishments throughout his tenure, perhaps most impressive is that he managed to sustain a budgetary surplus at the University of Michigan—only one of six athletic departments in the nation to do so.

A top ten list of Martin’s greatest accomplishments, sports triumphs, notable moments, and contributions to the University of Michigan follow.

Truly, Bill Martin has served both the University of Michigan and the surrounding community well. He enhanced a respected athletics system, attracted top-notch coaches to several athletic programs, coordinated a profound assemblage of athletic personnel, as well as secured both financially and aesthetically sound athletic programs and structures at the University of Michigan.

2001: Resolving Financial Woes

In 2001, Yost Ice Arena was updated with a new balcony to include 300 club-level seats. Renovations continued through 2006 with new opponent locker rooms, and the seats will be replaced in time for the 2010 season.

That same year, the introduction of varsity women’s water polo and men’s soccer cost the Athletic Department a hefty $600,000, and the University paid Nike $760,000 to purchase athletic equipment after a contract was not signed with a supplier.

Martin contributed his entire first year’s salary to the University, as well as negotiated a seven year contract with Nike to help with costs.

A $1 million radio contract was also secured.

2002: The Hiring Begins

In 2002, Bill Martin hired Rich Maloney as head coach of Men’s Baseball. Coach Maloney has since led the Wolverines to three Big Ten titles, two Big Ten tournament titles, and the 2007 NCAA Regional title.

In each of his six previous seasons, the baseball team has competed within the Big Ten tournament and made four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances through 2008.

Maloney was named 2007 and 2008 Big Ten Mideast Regional Coach of the Year.

2003: Memorable Game Moments

2003 No. 20 Michigan vs. No. 17 Minnesota.

Michigan reclaimed the Little Brown Jug in this classic rivalry matchup.

Minnesota surrendered 31 points in the fourth quarter after a previously dangerous 21 point lead, and in the process managed to ruin a previously perfect season record.

Michigan, on the other hand, secured their greatest comeback to date in the school’s 100th meeting. For John Navarre, Chris Perry, and the rest of the 2003 Wolverine squad, this was a game that would certainly go down in season and school history.

Michigan 38, Minnesota 35.

2004: Memorable Game Moments

2004 No. 12 Michigan vs. Michigan State.

Inarguably the biggest comeback in Big House history.

The Michigan Wolverines scored 17 points in the last six minutes of the fourth quarter. Three long and exhilarating overtimes later, the Maize and Blue finally overcame the Spartans 45-37.

Braylon Edwards was pivotal in this comeback victory for the Wolverines, catching two fourth quarter touchdowns and making a game-sealing catch on the second play of third-round overtime.

2004: Memorable Game Moments

2004 No. 12 Michigan vs. Michigan State.

Inarguably the biggest comeback in Big House history.

The Michigan Wolverines scored 17 points in the last six minutes of the fourth quarter. Three long and exhilarating overtimes later, the Maize and Blue finally overcame the Spartans 45-37.

Braylon Edwards was pivotal in this comeback victory for the Wolverines, catching two fourth quarter touchdowns and making a game-sealing catch on the second play of third-round overtime.

2005: Big Plays and Big Changes

2005 Michigan vs. Penn State.

One of the most exciting and well-played games in recent Michigan football history.

After a slow-to-score start endured three quarters, the fourth quarter's thrilling fifteen minutes were just the opposite for players and spectators alike.

Michigan led 10-3. Penn State answered with fifteen points to seal an 18-10 lead, and then Michigan answered with a field goal. In the last minute alone, Penn State scored a touchdown and then Michigan pulled out a seemingly impossible 27-25 lead when true-freshman Mario Manningham scored in the last second.

That same year, Martin began $5.5 million renovations on Alumni Field, which added new seating, expanded restrooms, and added a media facility.

Fisher Stadium, the baseball stadium originally constructed in the 1920’s, was upgraded with a two-story, barrier-free seating area, a press area, concessions, a team clubhouse, an indoor hitting facility, and improved restrooms.

Martin also hired Bob Bowman in 2005 as the men’s swim and dive coach. Bowman also served as the Club Wolverine coach as well as coached Michael Phelps, who won an unprecedented eight Olympic Gold Medals at the 2008 Beijing games, and garnered attention for the University of Michigan itself.

Bowman returned to the North Baltimore Aquatic Club after the 2008 Olympic games.

2006: Memorable Game Moments

2006 No. 11 Michigan vs. No. 2 Notre Dame.

The Fighting Irish succumbed to a Wolverine upset on this memorable afternoon in South Bend—also the most points Michigan had garnered against the Notre Dame Irish in 46 years.

Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis commented after the game, “I think it’s important to understand, that team just came and whupped us pretty good.”

Here’s hoping that this coming season will mirror what happened leading into the 2006 season.

After a 7-5 2005 record and shaky season-opener wins, a convincing victory against the Fighting Irish showed fans and the Big Ten that the traditionally competitive Wolverines were back in action—at least for another year.

Michigan 47, Notre Dame 21.

2007: Stadium Renovations

In 1926 construction began on what would become the “Big House.” Less than two years later the structure was completed with a total cost of just over $1.1 million.

Over the years, numerous renovation projects would contribute to the astounding structure we are familiar with today.

In 1930, a new electronic scoreboard was added to each side of the stadium. In 1949, permanent steel stands were added to replace Fielding Yost’s temporary bleachers.

The press box was added in 1956, the blue protective fiberglass in 1965, artificial turf in 1969, and six hundred more seats in 1973.

In 1991, the field was lowered by three feet, which allowed two more rows to be constructed. In 1997, the Board of Regents approved the addition of another five thousand seats, electronic renovations, and improved overall infrastructure.

In 2007, a $226 million dollar renovation was approved and will be finished within the next year. The renovations include widening of seats, replacement of bleachers, hand rails, a new press box, and 83 luxury boxes. The seating capacity will now be over 108,000. Undoubtedly, this will be Bill Martin’s lasting, tangible legacy.

2007 Continued: Martin's Busy Year

Also in 2007:
• Bill Martin hired two of the now most widely respected and prominent coaches within the Michigan Athletic program—football coach Rich Rodriguez in December 2007, and basketball coach John Beilein in April 2007.

Rodriguez transformed the football program, spear-headed spread offense play, and has the program headed in the right direction.

Beilein led the basketball team to their first NCAA tournament appearance in 11 years.

• The new football practice facility (adjacent to Schembechler hall) was approved for construction. The facility was officially named Al Glick Field House.

Al Glick, president of Alro Steel Corp, has supported Michigan Athletics, particularly the football program, for decades. He generously donated $8.7 million towards the project.

Glick commented, “Michigan needed that facility very badly…. Bill Martin is bringing Michigan up to the standard they need to be competitive with facilities.”

• A new contract was signed with Adidas, which now brings in $7.5 annually—$3.5 million more than Michigan received in the now-expired deal with Nike.

2008: Memorable Game Moments

2008 Michigan vs. No. 12 Florida: Capital One Bowl.

Michigan entered the bowl game tied for second in the Big Ten, while Florida finished third in the SEC East Division.

Lloyd Carr had announced his retirement November 19th, 2007, so the Wolverines were out to win the title for their beloved head coach in his last game coaching Michigan football.

This was also the last chance for the Michigan Wolverine seniors to win a bowl game, having lost in the previous three attempts.

Florida was highly favored in this game. Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow and the rest of the Gators were playing in front of a home crowd with a strong spread offense that the Wolverines were unlikely to contend with.

Although Michigan accumulated two fumbles and two interceptions, they were able to hold a four point margin into the final minutes of play. With 2:20 left, Michigan held the lead after a field goal, Tim Tebow threw four consecutive incomplete passes, and Michigan ran the clock to win 41-35.

2009: Rebuilding and Controversy

On January 22, 2009, the University of Michigan announced the plan to construct a basketball practice facility adjacent to the east side of Crisler Arena.

Bill Martin headed the funding from the Athletic Department to supplement private donations towards the new facility. The project, which is separate from Crisler renovations, will allow for increased practice time and to diminish court time complications.

In what can certainly be deemed an economically challenging time, it is a credit to Bill Martin and University of Michigan Athletics that such projects are even taking place.

A few months later, construction was also approved for a new soccer stadium, which will accommodate 1,800 people and consist of a 20,000 square foot building, concessions, restrooms, a media building, and locker rooms.

Before the 2009 football season began, the Michigan football program was accused of violating NCAA regulations involving practice schedules. A Detroit Free Press article cited that anonymous players claimed practice times exceeded NCAA regulations.

For college football’s winningest program, this was a slap in the face but a necessary investigation to prove Michigan’s esteemed reputation remained intact.

In a letter sent to University President Mary Sue Coleman, a notice of inquiry deemed that the investigation had begun.

According to a recent ESPN follow-up article, this means that an initial review determined that a violation may have occurred based on credible information.

The investigation will terminate at the start of the 2010 New Year.

Martin ensures that the investigation is being taken seriously, and that the University of Michigan remains committed to NCAA rules and regulations.

A Lasting Legacy

On September 4, 2010, Bill Martin will retire from position of Michigan athletic director. In a letter to President Mary Sue Coleman, Martin submitted his intent.

October 21, 2009

I plan to retire from the University on September 4, 2010. We’ve discussed my retirement for a couple of years now, and I agreed to stay on to make sure the stadium project would be finished as planned. I look forward to September fourth as we celebrate the re-dedication of Michigan Stadium.

In the last few months I have had the chance to make significant progress on other issues that needed to be set on a firm foundation as well, including plans for the basketball practice facility, so I think it is now time to plan for the future. This gives us enough of a timeline to ensure the Athletic Department has a smooth transition.

When President Bollinger asked me to stay on beyond my tenure as interim athletic director, I made a commitment to remain in the role for three years. But, with your support, the support of the Regents and a remarkable team in the Athletic Department, that original commitment has stretched into more than a decade. I want to thank you, and Lee, and all the Regents with whom I have worked for the vision and leadership which enables Michigan Athletics to accomplish so much.

Being the Michigan AD is not just a job, it’s a way of life, and one I have embraced full force. It’s fair to say the role also can have its challenges, but our exceptional coaches, students, support staff, and administrators have made my job enjoyable every day. Most importantly, we have accomplished the goals I outlined when I first arrived: building a great team of coaches and staff, focusing on the academic progress of our student-athletes, establishing financial stability for the department, and rebuilding the athletic campus.

It is a privilege and an honor to serve as athletic director, and to be part of your leadership team. You have my pledge that I’ll work with you to ensure an orderly transition next year. In the meantime, we still have a lot of work to do so the ship is ready to hand over when you complete your search for the next AD.

Best,
Bill Martin