December 5, 2000

FURMAN'S MARTIN EARNS ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA HONORS
FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

GREENVILLE -- Furman University linebacker Marion Martin has been named to the Verizon Academic All-America University Division football team for the second consecutive year, it was announced today.

Martin, a second team honoree a year ago and first team selection this year, is the 13th Furman football player to garner academic All-America honors, more than any other Southern Conference or state member school.

"This is another great honor for an outstanding young man who epitomizes the highest ideals of the student-athlete," said Furman head coach Bobby Johnson Tuesday afternoon. "Marion has been a tremendous credit to our football program and university over the past four years, and this worthy honor represents the quality person, fine football player, and outstanding student he is."

Martin, a Columbia, S.C., native, two-year starter, and 2000 team co-captain, graduated Summa Cum Laude in May with a 3.90 grade point average in chemistry. Recently named a National Football Foundation/College Hall Of Fame Scholar-Athlete, for which he will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship, he is currently pursuing a master's degree in chemistry at Furman.

Martin totaled 81 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, an interception, and four pass deflections this year, helping the Paladins to a 9-3 record and Sports Network No. 4 final regular season ranking. Furman posted an 18-6 record in his two seasons of starting duty.