[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 22 (Tuesday, March 5, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN MEMORY OF ED MARTIN OF NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, FRIEND AND BELOVED 
                            BASKETBALL COACH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB CLEMENT

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 5, 2002

  Mr. CLEMENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of a friend and 
former Tennessee State University (TSU) head basketball coach Ed 
Martin, who passed away on Monday, February 25, 2002.
  Known for his compassion by all who knew him, Coach Martin shaped and 
molded many young lives and numerous championship teams over 17 seasons 
coaching men's basketball at TSU. His impressive 290-169 overall record 
began in 1968.
  After a successful run at TSU, Vanderbilt's C.M. Newton hired Martin 
as assistant coach at Vanderbilt University. He coached there for four 
seasons and guided the early careers of such notable players as Will 
Perdue and Jeff Turner of Vanderbilt, along with Leonard Turner and 
Lloyd Neal from TSU. Ultimately, 16 players under his supervision went 
on to careers in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
  A native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Martin participated in baseball 
while a student at North Carolina AT&T. He then went on to play in the 
Negro baseball leagues and the Cincinnati Reds franchise before an 
injury drove him to consider coaching basketball. He also served in the 
U.S. Navy as a young adult. Quickly making a name for himself, Martin 
won two South Carolina state high school championships at Avery High 
School in Charleston, and then began coaching at South Carolina State 
University. In 13 seasons at South Carolina State, he garnered a 214-87 
record before moving to TSU and becoming one of the best-loved coaches 
in Nashville.
  In 1972, he led the Tigers to the United Press International (UPI) 
College Division National Title, and was subsequently named Coach of 
the Year. His colleagues continued to recognize him throughout his 
career and into his retirement. Additionally, his name is recorded in 
the Halls of Fame at North Carolina AT&T, South Carolina State, TSU, 
and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
  Although Martin's athletic expertise was always evident, he was just 
as revered for his kindness, wisdom, friendship, guidance, and 
encouragement to those who were fortunate enough to walk alongside of 
him. He recognized athletic ability, as well as human value and worth, 
and pointed his players toward lasting goals.
  I extend my sympathy to the Martin family including his wife Ruth, 
and children Arnetta and Eddie. May they be comforted by the precious 
memories of their beloved husband and father.

                          ____________________