Ben Martin, born on January 16, 1906, and passing away on the same date in 1979, left an indelible mark on high school athletics in Tennessee, culminating in his 2010 induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame. His career, spanning from 1933 to 1971, was marked by a profound dedication to coaching and athletic administration, consistently leading his teams to winning records and championship successes.

Martin began his storied career at Olive Hill High School in Kentucky from 1933 to 1936, where he coached football and basketball. He then moved to Norris High School from 1938 to 1943, focusing on basketball before settling into a long and impactful tenure at Oak Ridge High School from 1943 to 1971. At Oak Ridge, Martin not only coached football, basketball, track and field, and cross-country but also served as the Athletic Director for 28 years. His leadership and coaching prowess led Oak Ridge to secure 7 TSSAA State Championships in Track and Field, along with numerous regional and district championships across various sports.

Martin's service to TSSAA and his commitment to athletics extended beyond his coaching achievements. He notably served as the East Tennessee representative on the TSSAA Track and Field Committee, contributing to the wider athletic community in the state. His contributions to sports and his enduring legacy were recognized through numerous accolades, including a Distinguished Service Award from the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame and induction into the Oak Ridge Sports Hall of Fame in 1986.

In addition to his coaching accolades, Martin played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of Oak Ridge High School by selecting its nickname and school colors in its inaugural year. Under his leadership as Athletic Director, Oak Ridge won a total of 14 state championships across various sports, demonstrating his profound impact on the school's athletic success.

Ben Martin's legacy lives on, not only through his induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame but also through the continued recognition of his contributions to high school athletics in Tennessee. The Oak Ridge High School track facility proudly bears his name, a testament to his enduring influence on the school and the broader sports community.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2010
Category: Coach