 "Photo: Nathaniel LaRue")
In a matter of hours after K-State's 85-82 overtime loss to Iowa State on Senior Night, men's basketball head coach Frank Martin received a couple pieces of good news.
In front of family and media Sunday, Athletic Director John Currie presented a contract extension that awards Martin a multimillion dollar deal and keeps the Wildcat coach under contract through the 2014-2015 season. Martin also receives a signing bonus of $462,800 that he would forfeit half of if he takes another job this offseason.
The total package will pay him in the neighborhood of $1.55 million per season. He's also eligible for bonuses and incentives based on performance. The emotional coach had trouble finding his words when his turn came to make a statement.
"I've lived my life by two things: honesty and loyalty," Martin said. "To be around people that are about those same values, I feel real lucky."
Currie said the two men did not have negotiations, but discussions, and that awarding an extension in October would be a disservice to Martin and the athletic department.
"It was an ongoing discussion," Currie said. "It's been very positive, I think."
Martin echoed this sentiment by talking about his players and his focus on this season, which was still weighing on him hours concluding with the loss on Senior Night.
"A little piece of me dies every time we lose," Martin said.
Martin thanked his wife, who he said gave up her career so he could chase his dreams. He also thanked fans and those who have supported him from day one.
The other good news for Martin came in the form of a national award. The Associated Press and the league's coaches voted Martin the Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year, after his team secured the No. 2 seed in this week's Big 12 Tournament. Martin is also expected to finish high in the voting for the national award. Several K-State players were honored as All-Big 12 selections from the league office.
Jacob Pullen made the first team after leading the Wildcats in scoring for much of the season. The junior guard also received all-defensive team honors. Denis Clemente made the second team after coming on strong in conference play. Jamar Samuels received the league's Sixth Man award, an award he publicly lobbied for throughout the season.
The Wildcats will take the court again Thursday in the Big 12 Tournament. They will play the winner of Wednesday's game between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State at 6 p.m.
