From Rambler to Lion: New Athletic Director Begins A former assistant football coach and varsity softball coach from Loyola Academy, who also worked in student recruiting, has assumed the reins as the new athletic director at Saint Viator. Marty Jennings started the job Monday, June 9, and he is still learning the ropes, as well as his way around the building. “I’m so excited to be here, both professionally and personally,” Jennings said. “But I’m still trying to take it all in. There is so much to learn.” Jennings is a 1998 Loyola Academy alum who earned his undergraduate degree in education from Northeastern University, and, most recently, a master’s degree in administration from National Louis University. He began coaching a variety of sports at Faith, Hope and Charity Catholic School in Winnetka while working his way through Northeastern, and returned to his alma mater 10 years ago as a coach and assistant director of admissions. “Marty has shown a lifetime commitment to Catholic athletics,” said Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, president. “I'm convinced he will steward our program well as it moves into the future.” Over the years, Jennings has coached football, girls’ softball, basketball, lacrosse, volleyball and golf, and, as a student, he played football and ran track. Consequently, he is familiar with boys and girls sports, as well as small and large programs, and at all levels. “I want to be an advocate for the kids and coaches, and create a great environment where they can be successful,” Jennings said. “One of the biggest changes between Saint Viator and Loyola,” he said, “is the number of coaches who work outside the school. At Loyola, the majority of head coaches also worked in the school.” “One of my goals is to continue to connect the many coaches who work out of the building, to the great successes that happen in our classrooms and hallways each and every day,” said Jennings. For the first two weeks, Jennings worked side by side with athletic director, Tim Carlson, who left at the end of June to take a new position at Glenbard South High School. “The school has a great tradition and I want to continue that,” Jennings said. “My goal is to work with and continue to provide strong and positive leadership to the coaches and players.”
5