Nathan Martin, a senior track and field standout from Spring Arbor University has been selected as the 2012-2013 Crossroads League Achievement Award winner. The League Achievement Award is selected by any Crossroads League constituent that exemplifies excellence, courage, and special achievement during the year. This award is given at the discretion of the Crossroads League Commissioner.
Martin, a Three Rivers, Michigan native, lost his mom to cancer after a tough battle back in the fall. Dante Ottolini, Spring Arbor’s Men’s Outdoor Track and Field Coach said, “Nathan has overcome a lot this year in particular with the loss of his mom to cancer. He has worked hard for five years and I am so happy for him.”
Martin led his team to the 2013 Men’s Outdoor Track and Field National Tournament. Martin won the 10,000 Meter Run and the Marathon at the NAIA National Meet and was named the Men’s Outstanding Performer. Martin, competing in his first ever Marathon, broke the 28 year-old NAIA record by posting a time of 2:19:18.70 which was the 15th fastest time posted this year in the United States.
Martin commented, “I’m shocked, actually. I knew I had a chance to win and to become the National Champion, but to hear it and say it? It really shows a lot about my training, my coaches, and my teammates always supporting me and everything coming together to produce this.”
Martin also won the 10,000 Meter Run with a posted time of 29:57.79 while leading Spring Arbor to an eighth place finish at the 2013 Men’s Outdoor Track and Field National Tournament. Martin became only the second runner in NAIA history to win the 10,000 Meter Run and the Marathon in the same year.
Ottolini concluded, “Nathan is one of the most coachable athletes I have ever coached. He is also one of the most humble and non-assuming young men I have coached. Watching him grow as a man, in his faith, and as a runner has been a blessing.”