December 7, 1999
Release: Upon Receipt

FURMAN'S RENTZ, MARTIN NAMED
GTE ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICANS

GREENVILLE -- Furman University tailback Stuart Rentz and linebacker Marion Martin have been named GTE Academic All-Americans, it was announced today.

Rentz, a senior from Pickens, S.C., was tabbed to the University Division first team while Martin, a junior from Columbia, S.C., earned second team honors. The University division includes all schools that compete in NCAA I-A and I-AA.

"I can't think of two players in the country who better represent what this honor stands for than Stuart Rentz and Marion Martin," said Furman head coach Bobby Johnson on Tuesday. "They are not only outstanding students but are also excellent football players who are real credits to our football program, our university, and the state of South Carolina. This is one of the top honors any of our players could ever receive."

Rentz, a double major in business administration and Spanish who sports a 3.90 grade point average, rushed for 306 yards and two touchdowns this year in helping Furman to a 9-3 record, Southern Conference championship, and NCAA I-AA playoff appearance. Martin, meanwhile, posted 66 tackles, six tackles-for-loss, an interception, and five pass deflections for the Paladins, whose season included a 28-3 win over North Carolina. He boasts a 3.89 grade point average in chemistry.

The selection of Rentz and Martin as GTE Academic All-Americans gives Furman football 12 academic All-Americans -- more than any other Southern Conference member or state school.