BEAUMONT, Texas – Former Lamar University men's basketball coach Jack Martin passed away Thursday. The school's all-time leader with 334 career wins, Martin served as the Cardinals head coach from 1951 through the 1975-76 season.
 
"We are deeply saddened by the news of Jack Martin's passing," said LU Director of Athletics Jason Henderson. "His accomplishments on the court will never be forgotten. Coach Martin is a huge reason why LU basketball has such a rich tradition. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Martin family during this very tough time."
 
During his time at the helm, Martin's teams posted a 334-283 (.541) record and won five conference titles along the way. His win total is more than 200 victories better than any other LU men's basketball coach.
 
Martin placed the Big Red in the basketball spotlight during the 1960s when he introduced the run-and-shoot offense and pressing defense. From 1959 through 1966, the Cardinals posted a 150-58 (.721) record with four conference championships and five NCAA Tournament appearances. Martin's teams won Lone Star Conference titles in 1961, 1962 and 1963, and Southland Conference crowns in 1964 and 1970. Three of his teams won 20 or more games, with a 20-4 (.833) record in 1968-69 standing as his best season in term of percentage.
 
Despite having left LU during the mid 70s, several of his teams and players still appear among the program's record book. A World War II veteran, Martin was the state of Texas' winningest active college coach at the time he retired. He was also the longest tenured active coach at one school in major college basketball behind only DePaul's Ray Meyer.
 
Martin, who began his coaching career at Hardin-Simmons University in 1948, had a sparkling record of 376 wins and 318 losses when he retired. Martin handed the coaching reins over to Billy Tubbs in 1976.



-LU CARDINALS-