GW’s Martin named head football coach at William Fleming
Bobby Martin has been spotted on the William Fleming High School campus a lot in recent weeks. His trips haven’t been just to watch basketball games.
Martin, who was the interim head football coach at George Washington, has been named the new head football coach at William Fleming, Roanoke city councilman Sherman Lea said earlier today.
Martin succeeds Lee Johnson as Fleming’s coach. He will be introduced to Fleming’s players during a news conference at 1:45 p.m. today.
A Henry County native, Martin played football at Virginia Tech after graduating from Laurel Park High School.
He was the head basketball coach at George Washington until he left the position midway through the 2011-12 season. Martin was the head coach of the George Washington boys basketball team that reached the Group AAA state final in 2007.
He was named GW’s football coach for the 2012 season after the departure of head coach Jimmy Teague. Martin led GW to the Western Valley District championship, including wins in Roanoke over both William Fleming and Patrick Henry.
William Fleming posted a 1-9 record in 2012 and was 2-28 in Johnson’s three seasons.
Fleming will rejoin the Blue Ridge District in 2013 and will be a member of Division 4 in the VHSL’s new six-classification system.
February 14, 2013 - 12:50 PM
I don’t get this – isn’t G.W. Danville a better job right now than William Fleming? Having said that I think this is a great hire for Fleming. I just don’t understand how GW let him get away.
M in FC, considering the success Martin had last year at GW, it does make you scratch your head why he would drop that and come to Roanoke, maybe the money was that much better. Who knows. I do know that Fleming has needed the right coach to turn their ship around in football for some time. Big challenge for Martin to do that, but he’ll have plenty of players with both size and speed to help him get it done. The Colonels have left me shaking my head at them for the last couple of seasons, in that they have some of the biggest and most athletic kids on the field for them in football, but can’t seem to get out of their own way so to speak. Maybe Martin can do something about that and if he does, watch out Blue Ridge district! WF was a AAA playoff team just back in 2009 I think, so there is definitely talent there for Martin to work with.
When I talked to Bobby a couple of weeks ago at a basketball game, I told him I heard that GW had not removed the interim tag from his title. So I can imagine that also factored into his decision.
Bobby coached my son at Bassett in the 90′s. He will do a great job. He will bring great knowledge and a diciplined approach. Good luck Coach Martin.
Michael,
Would you rather live in Roanoke, or poverty-stricken Southside?