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| A college basketball player, Marty Favret has parlayed his love of football into a long successful career as a Division III football coach. Hampden-Sydney athletics photo |
Hampden-Sydney football head coach Marty Favret, the all-time winningest coach in program history, announced on Sunday night, Aug. 20, that 2023 will be his final season of coaching. In 23 seasons at the college, he has attained 145 victories (145-86) and led the Tigers to 15 winning seasons with five Old Dominion Athletic Conference championships (2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014) and six NCAA Division III playoff appearances (2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014).
Favret is currently the longest-tenured collegiate football head coach in Virginia.
"For nearly a quarter century, I've had the best job in college football. I want to thank General Sam Wilson, Joe Bush and others for selecting a relative no-name 24 years ago to take over the football program at such an amazing place," Favret said. "When I took the job, I had no idea how passionate the alumni base and Hampden-Sydney community were and they have been instrumental in our success and ability to run a first class program. I have also been blessed to work with unique and talented student-athletes and coaches that have truly made every work day a joy. My players have made this the most satisfying chapter of my professional life.
"Awaiting grandchild No. 2 in December, I am ready to focus my time on something other than 'third-and-5.' I am proud of where our program stands today and I look forward to channeling all my energy on coaching the talented 2023 Tigers this fall and getting this special group to a championship level."
Prior to taking over at H-SC, Favret served as the offensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Catholic for six seasons, where he was the architect of one of the most prolific offenses in Division III. Under his direction, CUA finished in the Top 30 in the country in scoring five times. His offenses set 75 school records, including the school’s Top Three single-season scoring records. Over the course of his last three seasons at Catholic, he helped guide the Cardinals to a 29-1 regular season record and three NCAA Playoff appearances.
Favret graduated from the Catholic University of America in 1984. He was a three-year starter at shooting guard for the Catholic U. men's basketball team from 1981-84, serving as team captain during his junior and senior seasons.
At Hampden-Sydney, Favret has coached the Tigers to one 10-win season (2009) and three nine-win seasons, in 2003, 2010 and 2013. The 2013 season resulted in a first-round playoff win for the Tigers. Under Favret, Hampden-Sydney has had 16 players achieve D3football.com All-America status.
"There's a saying, 'the people make the place,' and nowhere is this more true than at a small college. Not only is Marty Favret the winningest football coach in the history of Hampden-Sydney athletics, but he has, for 23 years, helped the college fulfill its mission 'to form good men and good citizens' by coaching and mentoring thousands of the college's student-athletes," said college president Larry Stimpert. "The stories that our alumni tell of Marty's influence are a wonderful tribute to his talents as a leader of, and role model for, young men. Marty and his wife, Cynthia, have made Hampden-Sydney their home and they raised their daughters here; they are much-loved neighbors. We look forward to an exciting final season to bring Marty's remarkable football coaching career at Hampden-Sydney to a close. During the next few months, I encourage every member of our college community to find an opportunity to thank Marty for his dedicated service and to congratulate him on his retirement."
"The level of success Marty has had at Hampden-Sydney over the years is remarkable. Marty is the all-time winningest football coach here and that is a record that is very unlikely to be broken," said athletic director Chad Eisele. "But his success goes well beyond the sidelines. As a husband, father, colleague, friend and mentor, Marty has touched the lives of hundreds of us that have called the Hill home in such a positive way. His legacy and influence will last far beyond his 24 years as our football coach. I look forward to celebrating Coach Favret this season with his current team, alumni, family and friends that hold him in such high esteem."