March 29, 2024

PCM alum Martin selected for Wartburg athletic hall of fame

Despite her successes as the girls’ track and field coach at Prairie City-Monroe, Bridget Martin still feels bad for being away from her family during the busy spring season.

She even admitted she is unsure if the time away is worth it.

That was until social media blew up this week when Wartburg College announced its latest athletic Hall of Fame class. Martin will be one of eight Knights to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in Ocfober during the school’s Homecoming activities.

“Coaching takes a big commitment, and I am not always sure if it’s what I am supposed to be doing,” Martin said. “But to see several of my current and former track athletes reaching out to me and congratulating me was an eye opener. It’s a reminder that I am impacting their lives in a positive way.”

Martin was the first of four siblings who went through the PCM school district.

After high school, Martin went on to Wartburg College where she won the 2005 national championship in the 400-meter dash at the indoor nationals.

She earned three other All-American honors in individual events and nine as a member of a relay.

Martin was a three-time Iowa Conference champion in the indoor 400 and a three-time Iowa Conference champion in the outdoor 400.

Warburg won the conference title every year during Martin’s career.

“My initial reaction when I was told that I was getting inducted into the hall of fame was surprised,” said Martin, who graduated from Wartburg in 2007. “It eventually turned to excitement. I just feel honored to be selected.”

Martin said she was informed of the hall of fame honor during the 2017 state track meet. One of her athletes, senior Jayci Vos, knew much earlier than that though.

“The funny part about it is that my college coach was recruiting Jayci for track and he actually told her that I was going to be part of the hall of fame class,” Martin said. “She kept the secret, which I am sure was hard to do.”

Martin will be officially inducted into the Wartburg Athletics Hall of Fame on Oct. 14. She will take part in the Homecoming parade in the morning, be recognized at halftime of the football game and then attend a hall of fame dinner in the evening.

“I went back to watch some of my former teammates run after I graduated, but I haven’t been back to campus in about five years or so,” Martin said. “I’m excited to get back there.”