Martinez enters his first season of coaching cross country and distances after completing a very successful collegiate running career at Bethel.
Martinez finished his time at Bethel as one of the most decorated distance runners in the program’s history.
“Julio has meant so much to this program over the past couple of years. It is great to have him move into a coaching position,” offered Threshers head coach Jeff Hoskisson. “He brings a lot to the table as a coach and person. I look forward to working with him in a different capacity.”
He is the schools only male distance runner to have competed at the NAIA Cross Country Nationals, a feat he did twice. He finished 10th his senior year and 13th his junior year at the KCAC Cross Country Championships.
On the track, Martinez was the KCAC champion in the 1500 meters outdoors in 2017. In addition, he finished 3rd in the 800. Indoors in 2018, he finished 2nd in the 1000 and 4th in the mile at the KCAC Indoor Championships. That same season he picked up a 10th place finish in the 1000 at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships.
Martinez set five schools records in his time at Bethel. He established new marks in the indoor and outdoor 800 and the 1000 indoors, twice.
Martinez who is from Phoenix, Arizona, graduated in December with a degree in Business. He lives in Newton, Kansas with his wife and two children.
