ASU track and cross country honored for 60 national titles

ALAMOSA — Adams State University celebrated the school’s track and cross country programs for a milestone in national championships.

With the ASU women’s indoor track and field team claiming the NCAA Division II national championships, that makes it 60 for the school.

It was also the women’s second straight indoor national title.

“It’s incredible,” said ASU coach Damon Martin. “When I look back, it’s hard to believe that we could have ever dreamed such big thoughts. Yet the kids every year have worked hard, and the university has supported us. With the coaching staff that we have, it’s amazing what we have accomplished all of those years.”

The breakdown of the national championships by program are as follows:

• Men’s cross country – 25 – 12 NAIA and 13 NCAA Division II
• Women’s cross country – 23 – 3 NAIA and 20 NCAA Division II
• Men’s indoor track and field – 4 – 2 NAIA and 2 NCAA Division II
• Women’s Indoor track and field – 7 – 1 NAIA and six NCAA Division II
• Men’s outdoor track and field – 1 overall – NCAA Division II

Of the 60 national championships, 42 have been coached by Martin, who is a 35-year veteran of the school. The first 18 were by ASU icon Joe I. Vigil. He coached the first national championship in men’s cross country in 1971.

“That’s hard to believe as well,” Martin said. “I’ve been very blessed to work with some talented young men and young women. I can’t take the credit for all of it. My assistant coaches have done an amazing job. I’m really proud of that they have done collectively as a group.”

In addition to coaching 42 national championships, Martin coached many individual national champions and All-Americas.

“One of the things I’m really proud of over the years is that our little school has produced 12 Olympians. We’ve had countless individual national champions and All-Americans. I’m just really proud of all of their accomplishments.”

Martin is looking forward to the future of ASU cross country and track.

“This year’s women’s team was a very stellar team. I’m excited about this outdoor season and maybe what possibly they can do. Certainly, they’re going to be one of three or four teams that has a shot at winning the national outdoor title. The men’s program, we’re going to redshirt quite a few of our stellar kids and trying to put our eggs into the basket for next year and try to be really good next year.”