CO-HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER DONIVAN MARTHIS IS RETIRING

After more than 32 years at Grossmont College, Donivan Marthis graduates into retirement.

Marthis was hired at Grossmont College on August 4, 1986 as the Head Athletic Trainer. He began teaching in the exercise department in 1987, teaching Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries, Kinesiology, Fitness Specialist and Health Education. 

During his 32 years working at Grossmont College, Marthis spent four years as the PCAC Conference representative for Athletic Training and the past twenty years as a preceptor for the SDSU Athletic Training Program. His favorite part of the job has been working with the people in the athletic department, whether it was the athletes, coaches or staff. He is set to retire in May.

"Over the last 30 years, all the administrators and classified staff I've worked with have been positive and very supportive of the athletic training room. They have played a huge role in enhancing my career with Chris," states Marthis.

"The coaches and I have shared great professional and personal relationships through the years. I've worked with a lot of coaches and I hope every one of them keeps in touch. We have always gotten on well with each other despite the adversarial nature of our jobs...

I have especially enjoyed working with all of the student-athletes, regardless of our main interactions surrounding their injuries. This is a great age group to work with, and I've seen great players, great people and great people who aren't necessarily great players. It's rewarding when they come back to Grossmont to visit. Some of them are my colleagues now, and I knew it was time to retire when I began meeting their children and grandchildren."

Marthis attended Grossmont College from 1972-75. He was a track athlete who ran the 4:40, hurdles and mile relay.

After Grossmont, he graduated San Jose State in 1978, earning a B.S. in Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Training. Marthis followed that up by graduating the University of Arizona in 1980, where he attended an accredited NATA program that earned him an M.S. degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Training.

While in Tucson, Marthis worked at Santorita High School as the Head Athletic Trainer. Following that, he attended Florida International University for a secondary teaching credential and worked at Miami Springs High School from 1979-83 while at FIU. There, he served as the Head Athletic Trainer and taught anatomy and physiology.

After living in Miami, Marthis moved back home to San Diego and attended Grossmont College again from 1984-86, this time earning a certificate in cardiovascular technology specializing in echocardiography.

Marthis' current hobbies include cycling (track, road and mountain), triathlons and restoring a 1957 Ford Ranchero. He is an active member of the San Diego Bicycle Club, the Truck Club of San Diego and Pickups Unlimited of Southern California. His retirement plans include teaching part time at Grossmont College and continuing to cycle, with a goal of completing his second "century ride" (100 miles).

Marthis lives in Ramona, CA with his wife Linda, who works as an elementary school principal. He has a son, Sean, who serves in the Navy and is expecting a baby with his wife.