By Anson Walldorf

Coach Billy Martin has become a legend around Reynolds athletics. To some students, he is known as a gym coach and to others he is the known as the head coach of the men’s basketball team.

  For Coach Martin, basketball is his life. He attended The University of North Carolina at Wilmington where he played at a division one level.

  After finishing his career at UNCW, Coach Martin began coaching. He spent 17 years coaching at East Montgomery High School in North Carolina and then went on to coach division one basketball at the University of Delaware. In 2005 Coach Martin took the coaching and gym coach job at RJR.

  Coaching and being around basketball is the only thing Martin has ever wanted to do.

  When asked what he would do if he did not coach, Martin responded, “nothing, I am being serious.”

  Martin loves to coach the game of basketball, but his favorite thing is the impact that he can leave on his students and athletes.

 “My favorite part (about coaching) is the opportunity of working with kids,” Martin said.

 Martin’s great coaching ability is recognized by the players that he coaches. Martin is known to always be prepared and not allow anybody to slack off.

  “He always has a great game plan and has us ready for every single game. His practices are always productive and organized. Before each game he does a great job of clearing our heads and being prepared for the game,” junior basketball player Tobias Johnson said.

 Martin has left a strong impact not only his players but the students as well. Many students who had Martin as a gym coach remember the lessons that he taught them while at RJR.

 “He made me realize self accountability is key; you have to do the right thing when no one is around. He also is real cool and you could go up to him and joke with him, “ former RJR student Jelani Keith said.

  Coach Martin’s coaching style is also noticed by the students at RJR. Martin is known to hold everyone accountable and expect them to do their job.

  “Coach Martin never lets anyone slack off and always expects the most out of his players,” Keith said.

  Coach Martin always has high expectations for his teams, which has contributed to their recent success. Last year the demons won the conference championship playoffs versus East Forsyth High School. This year Coach Martin’s goal is to win the conference championship and defend their title.

  “Of course our goal is to win the conference championship and go as far as possible in the playoffs,” Martin said.

  Coach Martin has cemented his legacy at RJR and has impacted the lives of many students over the years.