Martin Mania

New athletic director has work cut out for him

President Bollinger's appointment of Interim Athletic Director Bill Martin, a longtime Ann Arbor resident and successful businessman, to the full-time director position for the next five years comes as a welcomed move and a much-needed measure to help heal this ailing department. As founder and chairman of the Bank of Ann Arbor, Martin has the business savvy and political prowess to confront the many issues facing the Athletic Department in the coming years.

Topping the list of concerns is the Department's financial situation. Riding a wave of mismanagement from former director Tom Goss, the situation is compounded by Nike's decision to drop their official contract with the University, which could cost the University millions in the coming seasons. As a gesture of goodwill, Martin has donated his first year salary of $250,000 back to the Department.

Bollinger's decision was based on a letter of recommendation signed by the majority of varsity coaches, despite three other candidates narrowed down by a search advisory committee. Having coach approval ensures support at all levels and opens communication within the department. Despite the other recommendations from the search advisory committee, president Bollinger's decision is sound and will increase the accountability of the department as well as respect for the new leadership. The only potential pitfall could reside in Martin's potential feelings of indebtedness to the coaches responsible for getting him the position. Part of the problem with the previous Athletic Director regime was Tom Goss' inability to deal with problematic coaches.

This perceived lack of communication and accountability from within the Athletic Department is a pressing issue. Layers of bureaucratic safety nets have often made the department staff and coaches inaccessible for critique and evaluation by the community at large. Martin's press appearance last week marked a decided turn toward a more open and easily accountable departmental path with an impressively orchestrated attempt to meet issues head on.

Martin's experience on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Olympic Committee and as the president of the United States Sailing Foundation, as well as his successful tenure as interim Athletic Director have given him the experience necessary to ensure a successful term at the helm.

An important part of Martin's role is to restore the legacy of Michigan's good name in sports. In addition to improving the overall logistics of the department - from coaching on down - Martin has set a goal of improving the track facilities and building a much-needed new baseball stadium. These goals should not overshadow the financial problems of the department or drain funds prematurely, resulting in higher apparel and ticket prices. With close to half of the necessary funds already raised, Martin should focus his resources on continued efforts to get the department back in the black while still keeping ticket prices low.

As an integral portion of the University's operations, the Athletic Department has an important responsibility to the spirit of this university, as well as the role as a significant university investment and business-like financial arm. Martin's experience shows him to be a man able and ready for the job.