Renee Reed
Reporter
April 1, 2005
Men’s soccer coach Marty Shirley announced his plans to leave Milligan College at the end of this semester in order to take the positions of associate athletic director and head men’s soccer coach at Bellhaven College, a small Christian college, in Jackson, Mississippi.
“Working at Bellhaven will give me the opportunity to use my experience in athletic administration, something that Milligan does not have a need for now or in the future,” Shirley said.
An increased pay stemming from having two positions is another advantage of the move according to Shirley. “The pay increase will allow my wife to stay home with our child who we just adopted.”
Shirley is a graduate of Milligan College who came to work at the school in August 1997. He spent four years as an assistant coach and four as head coach. Shirley said having the opportunity to teach was exciting because he got to meet numerous students.
One of Shirley’s favorite memories during his time at Milligan was a 13 person shootout win against King College last fall. “I have enjoyed seeing my team work hard for their accomplishments,” Shirley said.
Shirley said he will miss Milligan and all the students. “One of the greatest opportunities I have had working here is seeing so many men and women come to know the Lord,” Shirley said.
Milligan does not currently have a replacement for Shirley, but in a recent meeting Vice President for Student Development Mark Fox said that there would be a coach before the end of this semester.
“The job opening has not been posted yet,” Shirley said. “I am sure whoever takes my place will want to wait until their contract is up at their college as I am doing here at Milligan.”