Dennis Martel

In 2009, Dennis Martel will begin his 22nd season as baseball coach at Illinois Wesleyan and his teams have compiled an overall record of 540-331-3 (.620) with six College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin championships. In CCIW play only, Martel's teams have a record of 261-109 (.705).
Prior to the 2008 season, Martel was No. 21 among active Division III coaches in career victories and, in 2008, Martel eclipsed the win total of Jack Horenberger to become the school's all-time coaching leader in wins. Horenberger had a record of 509-401-5 in 37 seasons at the Titan reins.

Nine straight Wesleyan teams have won over 24 games and in 2008, the Titans were 33-11, won the CCIW championship with an 18-3 mark and played in the NCAA Division III regional.

In 2007, Martel was co-winner of the league’s “Coach of the Year” honor as the Titans were 32-13, won the CCIW title with a record-setting 20-1 mark, and hosted the NCAA Division III regional.
In 2006, the Titans were 28-14 and 14-7 in the CCIW.  Martel's 2005 team was 34-13 overall, won the CCIW title and advanced to the NCAA Division III regional. In 2004, the Titans were 28-19, won the league title and played in the NCAA Division III regional. Martel's 2001 team advanced to the Division III College World Series and earned a seventh place finish. The Central Regional champions, the 2001 Titans set a school record with 37 wins and Martel was named the region's "Coach of the Year" by the American Baseball Coaches Association.

Five straight teams (1994-98) won 24 or more games and the 1998 team won 31.

Martel has coached two first team American Baseball Coaches Association All-Americans (2B Ricky Angel, 2007; OF James Rinne, 1997), five second team honorees (LHP Matt Aronson, 2007; OF Nick Chilczenkowski, 2006; LHP Cory Lapinski, 2005; RHP Steve Schilsky, 2001; and C Jay Ahrendt, 1996); and one third teamer (2B Ryan Gilfillan, 2001).

Six of Martel's players have signed pro baseball contracts - lefthanded pitcher Cory Lapinski (2005, Houston Astros), righthanded pitcher Drew Himes (2005, Houston Astros), righthanded pitcher Steve Schilsky (2002, Oakland A's), outfielder James Rinne (1998, Arizona Diamondbacks), catcher Jay Ahrendt (1996, Baltimore Orioles) and catcher Mike Brown (1991, Los Angeles Dodgers).

An assistant professor of physical education, Martel also spent 21 seasons as IWU's full-time assistant basketball coach before becoming director of basketball operations in 2007. He is a 1984 graduate of the University of Maine with a degree in physical education and earned a master's degree in athletic administration from Illinois State in 1985. He was also the head basketball coach at Bangor (Maine) Community College for four seasons.

He and his wife, Michelle, are the parents of three daughters - Sara (born October 1995), Jenna (April 1998), and Anna (May 2001).