As a young boy of 13 years, that loved playing sports, Russ Martin believed he was “Called” to be a collegiate football coach. Through a 45 year coaching career, he held true to this calling, and believed his career was his ministry. Through building programs and relationships, winning championships to players losing lives, his faith has carried him through. He is married to Linda Martin, and they have been blessed with 6 children (two in heaven) and 8 grandchildren. His reputation as a family man, community leader and his Catholic faith have helped him impact individuals not only in the game, but also for life!
After playing college football and graduating from college, Russ Martin married his college sweetheart, Linda, converted from Protestant to Catholic, and began his coaching career. With six years in Nebraska high school, and 39 years in college football, he experienced many challenges and moves across the Midwest. His coaching stops include: Baylor University (TX), Kearney State (NE),Kansas Wesleyan (KS), Bethany College (KS), Black Hills State (SD), Southeast Missouri (MO), University Nebraska Kearney (NE), Colorado Mesa University (CO) and West Texas A&M (TX).
Their first daughter, Jennifer, was born with a congenital heart-lung defect and spent most of here six month life in Denver children’s Hospital. Their faith was tested, but allowed them to witness to family, friends and hospital personnel through their trials. Since then they have been blessed with four children, and another in heaven (ectopic pregnancy) and have used these challenges and experiences to witness to all they encounter.
”Coach Martin” has experienced multiple championships in both collegiate men’s football (Bethany-3: Colorado Mesa-3)and women’s softball (KS Wesleyan-2: Bethany-2, Kearney State 1 National Championship), as well as coached multiple All-Americans and several players that had NFL careers…but it was never about the championships or awards, but rather it was always about the relationships and the “Life Lessons” that it brought to the players and community. Those lessons were a part of the everyday process to building champions, but just as importantly to challenges of player deaths (2 drownings and a shooting), or even when players lost a family member. Coach Martin always shared that his foundation was his fiath and relationship with God through Jesus. His teachings that everyone of us is: physical, mental, social and spiritual hit home, especially as he emphasized only one of them is ETERNAL!
Though he received many individual honors, and team championships, his greatest satisfaction was and is, his wife and children developing a personal relationship with God.
His career opened doors to speak to groups often. He has shared his faith and journey with coaches, players, parents, students, university personnel, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, business groups, community organizations and from the pulpit of community churches.
Within several months after retiring form full-time coaching, Russ was “Called” again to continue to share his faith and journey with others through public speaking, and trainings. He continues to serve on a task force that investigates risk factors associated with teen suicide, especially student-athletes, and how helping to build a foundation on faith and a loving God is so critical in today’s society.
His message for the need to build Godly leaders, based on biblical principles resonates with all groups today. It is through his message that his calling is fulfilled!
Keynote Topics and Lists of Talks Available:
The David Principles: Principles for Success based on the Life of David
Life Under Construction: God’s Plan to Complete This Project and Becoming Uncommon
Finding Victory in Today’s Society: Understanding the Challenges We Face and Biblical Principles that Give Us Hope
What to Do When You don’t Know What to Do: Biblical Stories and Principles to Spiritual Break Throughs
Who Am I in Christ, and Why Does It Matter: Finding God’s Purpose in Your Life
God’s Team: Solomon’s Principles of Success
A Great Invitation…A Great Expectation: An Open Call, An Open Invitation to Renewal by Amazing Grace and Mercy
Masculine Man: Becoming A Man On Fire For God
Get In the Game: Are You an Observer, a Participant, or Truly Committed to Being in the Game
What You See is What You Get: Your Perspective, Your Foundation, and Understanding God’s Purpose are Critical for Your Life Success
Leadership Begins From Within: Building the Traits of a Successful Leader
Keys to Being a Great Player: Committing Daily Investments toward Eternal Outcomes
