Ben Martin, 83; Air Force Football Coach, Broadcaster

Ben Martin, 83, former broadcaster and football coach at the Air Force Academy for two decades, died Saturday at the academy in Colorado of complications from a heart attack.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Martin took over as Air Force coach in 1958 and, despite scant player talent, led the team to the Cotton Bowl in 1959, where it tied Texas Christian, 0-0. George Pupich, that team’s running back, defensive back and kicker, said, “There were maybe two or three players that could have honestly played major college football.... From that point on he did it with smoke and mirrors.”

Under Martin, Air Force compiled a 96-103-9 record and appeared in the 1963 Gator Bowl and the 1970 Sugar Bowl.

After retiring as Air Force Academy coach in 1977, Martin became a commentator for ABC. He later was part of the Air Force radio network broadcast team for 16 years before his final retirement last season.