Matthew Martin, who helped Transylvania University to NCAA Division III national runner-up finishes in 2012 and 2013, has been named the head men's golf coach at Morehead State.
"I am thankful for this opportunity and very excited about it," Martin said. "Morehead State has always been special to my family and me. Taking over a program that Coach (Rex) Chaney has led for many years will be a challenge, but I'm eager to get going."
Martin was an assistant men's golf coach and assistant men's basketball coach at Transylvania from 2010-13. As a golf instructor at the school in Lexington, Ky., he focused on tournament coaching, practice instruction, recruiting, scheduling and travel.
The Pioneers earned national recognition from the Golf Coaches Association of America for posting a 3.00 grade point average or better in each of his three years as a coach.
"Matthew had a lot of success at Transylvania as they elevated their program to a national level," Director of Athletics Brian Hutchinson said. "I'm convinced he tutored very well under Coach (Brian) Lane and can bring many of those characteristics to MSU."
Martin spent the 2013-14 school year as the head boys’ basketball coach at Bourbon County High School in Paris, Ky. He was also a health and physical education teacher.
"There are many tremendous resources at Morehead State," Martin said. "Eagle Trace is a terrific golf course and one I look forward to working at. The plan is to build on the tradition and past success of this program, so we can make it rise and soar."
After attending Furman and Cincinnati, Martin finished his college career at Transylvania. He helped the Pioneers to three straight Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference golf championships (2008-10) and earned all-league honors each year. He also played one season of basketball.
"Matthew is well respected throughout the state, which will help in recruiting," Hutchinson said. "I expect his plan to work and that we'll be consistently challenging for Ohio Valley Conference championships very soon."
Martin earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from Transylvania in 2010 and master's degree in teaching from Morehead State in 2012. His father, Wayne, was the head men's basketball coach at MSU from 1978-87. He led the Eagles to NCAA Tournament berths in 1983 and 1984.
Martin replaces Chaney, who announced his retirement in late May after being associated with Morehead State since 1953. Chaney, who previously coached the Eagles in men's basketball and baseball, spent the past 38 years as MSU's head men's golf coach.
