In 2005, Dennis Martel will begin his 18th season as baseball coach at Illinois Wesleyan and his teams have compiled a record of 413-290-3 (.587) with three College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin championships. In CCIW play only, Martel's teams have a record of 191-95 (.668). Prior to the 2005 season, Martel was No. 32 among all Division III coaches in career victories and his winning percentage was No. 50.

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

Four of Martel's players have signed pro baseball contracts - Steve Schilsky (2002, Oakland A's), James Rinne (1998, Arizona Diamondbacks), Jay Ahrendt (1996, Baltimore Orioles) and Mike Brown (1991, Los Angeles Dodgers).

An assistant professor of physical education, Martel is also IWU's assistant basketball coach. 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).