Kevin Martinez, Kris Sears and Ashley Thornburg have been named staff assistants at Indiana University for the 2005-06 school year, announced Media Relations Director Pete Rhoda on June 1.
"We have been fortunate to have some quality staff assistants the past few years, and Kris, Kevin and Ashley all continue that trend," Rhoda said. "Kris is a CoSIDA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient who brings a lot of experience to our department, while Kevin and Ashley are eager, enthusiastic and hard-working. Add these three to an already solid full-time staff, and I'm really looking forward to the upcoming year."
Martinez comes to IU from Texas Tech, where he served as the primary media relations contact for men's and women's golf as well as volleyball. Additionally, Martinez hosted the 2005 NCAA Golf Central Regional, while also assisting in nearly all other sports sponsored by the Red Raiders. The Lubbock, Texas, native completed his bachelor's degree in public relations and marketing in May.
Sears continues his stay in Bloomington after serving as a three-year student assistant and a graduate assistant the past year. During his time with the Hoosiers, Sears has covered the two-time defending national champion men's soccer squad as well as the tradition-rich swimming and diving programs. Furthermore, Sears served as the primary contact for men's and women's tennis, water polo and wrestling, while earning his bachelor's degree is kinesiology with an emphasis in sports marketing and management. Additionally, Sears will graduate with a master's degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in athletic administration and sports management in December.
Thornburg, an Indianapolis native, will remain in the Hoosier State as a member of the Cream and Crimson. Previously, Thornburg worked with the University of Notre Dame as a student assistant while pursuing her bachelor's degree in communication studies at Saint Mary's College, which is a private women's sister school of ND. During her time with the Fighting Irish, Thornburg helped host six separate championship events as well as provided support to more than eight varsity sports.