From CBC. Bearcat Athletics is saddened to announce that after 2 years with the men’s basketball team and the Bearcats program, Coach Dave Martens has decided to step down from his role as head coach.
Dave came to Columbia two years ago from M.E.I. Secondary and had a tremendous impact on the men’s program quickly after his arrival. While coaching basketball was obviously a main part of Dave’s role, and winning games an objective, he went above and beyond that and coached men using basketball as his platform. Dave desired to see young men grow in areas of their lives, not simply in their skill as basketball players.
“When it comes to the men’s basketball program in particular, I am proud of the strides that we have taken over the past two years to identify, qualify, and successfully recruit great basketball players that meet the high standards which we have set for ourselves and our school” said Martens. “What I enjoyed most about coaching at CBC was the willingness of players and coaches within athletics to hold each other accountable to a higher standard of character, leadership, and academic accountability.”
In his debut season, the men’s team went 1-19 overall and 1-15 in league play. After a successful recruitment season, bringing in 14 skilled young men, Martens bettered his first season’s record going 10-18 overall and 6-15 in the regular season.
“We will most certainly miss Dave and what he brought to the table” shared Athletic Director, Matt Kaminski. “Our program as a whole, not to mention the men’s basketball team in particular, has been truly blessed by Dave’s passion for athletics, particularly the sport of basketball, and his desire to see young people grow in skill, faith, and character. All of us in Bearcat Athletics wish him and family all the best in whatever God has in store for them next.”
Photo from Columbia Bible College