State Track and Cross Country Champion
Annie Martin Signs With Georgia Tech

Riley, Kansas

It was an exciting day at Riley County High School for senior Annie Martin. On Tuesday Martin inked her commitment to the Georgia Institute of Technology by signing her National Letter of Intent in the school’s library. At her side were her parents, sisters, coaches and long time friends and supporters.

Martin is an 8 time state champion in track and cross country and won the silver medal in the 1500 meters at the United States Track and Field Associations Nationals in Los Angeles last summer. She also is a member of the Riley County Girl’s State Championship Basketball team.

Martin started her college selection process in June of 2007 and was recruited by over 50 Division One and Ivy league Colleges from across the United States, as well as the Naval Academy and West Point. Martin made trips from coast to coast looking for just the right fit. “We have visited about one school every month including the University of Southern California, Colorado State, the University of Nevada at Los Vegas, Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas State and KU. My last trip was two weeks ago to Atlanta to see Georgia Tech, and I fell in love with it,” stated Martin.

During process Martin and her family established a set of criteria that help guide Annie in her decision-making. “First and foremost I wanted to find a school where I would receive an excellent education. I also wanted to be part of a team where I could make a positive contribution and be surrounded by teammates that shared my values and coaches that would help to develop me an athlete.

Martin feels that she has found the best of both words in Georgia Tech. The University’s business program, which Martin plans to major in, is ranked in the top 4 in the US and the track team is one of the top performing groups in the NCAA. As a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets compete against some of the strongest runners in the country. She will also be living and training in the Olympic Village in Altlanta.

Coaches Alan Drowski and Becky Megassi feel Martin has the potential to make an outstanding contribution on the school’s cross country and track programs. They were also impressed with Martin’s leadership skills demonstrated as an honor student , Student Body President at Riley Country High School, and one of the co-captains of the school’s basketball team. “Annie is a perfect fit for Georgia Tech. She is the kind of student athlete and leader that fits the mold for the Yellow Jackets.” Seventeen-year- old Martin will enter college as a sophomore, having completed 30 hours of college credit while attending high school. This has created the opportunity for her to work toward achieving her MBA during her 4 years of NCAA eligibility.

“Moving from the farm to Atlanta will be a big change, but I feel like I am ready for an adventure. Actually, the University of Hawaii called and asked me to come there this weekend, so my mom says that all of a sudden Atlanta doesn’t feel so far away now. The cultural and travel opportunities are huge at Georgia Tech, and the southern hospitality just helped to seal the deal for me,” shared Martin. “As we left the hotel the desk clerk wished us a blessed day. Truly I feel like I have had a blessed life. I have had wonderful coaches, team members friends, and a fantastic support system from both my family and my community. Today I sign my Letter of Intent with a grateful heart,” Annie exclaimed.

Martin, that daughter of Brian and Lori Martin, will defend her state championships in the 1300 and 3200 meter runs at the Kansas State Track Meet in Wichita on May 24th….Annie’s 18th birthday.