April 9, 2008

KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State head track and field coach Dr. Donald McGarey has announced the signing of high school standout Jemir Martinez to a National Letter of Intent on Wednesday morning as he is set to compete for the Owls in the 2008-09 season.

Martinez, a native of Evans, Ga., will be attending Kennesaw State after a successful prep career at Greenbrier High School. In his first year of running track, Martinez placed well in the regionals, finishing second in the 100-meters and third in the 200-meters as he qualified for the state championships.

He comes to Kennesaw State with personal best times of 10.64 in the 100-meters and 21.70 in the 200-meters and last month finished first in both the 100-meters and 200-meters at the Greenbrier Quad Invitational.

"Jemir is an excellent student-athlete," stated track assistant coach Devin West. "He has a strong work ethic both in the classroom and on the track. His talents should solidify our short sprint program for the next four years."

Martinez enjoyed a successful AAU career where has was named his team's most Valuable player in his first season. He participated in the AAU Nationals in the 100-meters and the 4x100 Relays in his rookie season and will captain this year's squad.

Martinez is the first track and field signee of the year for Kennesaw State, who won the 2008 Atlantic Sun Conference Men's Indoor Track Championship in February.