BANNER ELK, N.C. – Lees-McRae College President Lee King and Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management Kevin Phillips have named Marty Favret as the new Director of Athletics and Club Sports at Lees-McRae.
"When we started our national search for a new leader for Bobcat athletics, it was important to me that we find a proven winner, recruiter, and a veteran coach who can develop and mentor our coaching staff," said King. "We also sought a leader who can inspire our athletic department to a new peak of excellence and performance. We found that leader in Marty Favret and I am thrilled to welcome him to Lees-McRae."
Favret comes to Banner Elk from Hampden-Sydney College in Hampden-Sydney, Virginia, where he served as the head football coach and associate athletic director for the past 24 years. Favret ended his tenure with the Tigers as the all-time winningest coach in school history with a record of 151-90. Favret was recognized as the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Coach of the Year five times at H-SC (2003, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013) and oversaw 26 All-America selections, four College Sports Communicators Academic All-America® selections, one William V. Campbell Trophy® finalist, and 117 First All-ODAC selections.
"First and foremost, I want to thank Lee King and all that were a part of the search committee," said Favret. "I know it was a deep and talented pool of candidates and I am truly humbled to be the next athletic director at Lees-McRae. From the minute I drove onto campus, I felt a connection with the school and community in Banner Elk."
During his time at Hampden-Sydney, Favret guided the Tigers to six NCAA Division III Playoff appearances, five ODAC Championships, the most ODAC wins in school history, 16 winning seasons, and 19 seasons at .500 or better.
"We are excited to welcome Marty Favret as the next director of athletics and club sports at Lees-McRae," said Phillips. "His long and successful coaching career and outstanding leadership traits will prove invaluable in managing our extremely talented staff of coaches. I can think of no one better than Marty to succeed Craig McPhail in taking Lees-McRae athletics to an even higher level in the future."
At Hampden-Sydney, Favret fostered alumni relations by creating the H-SC Gridiron Club and was the 2023 Ray Tate Memorial Award recipient. Favret monitored a very large annual budget at the College and was key in raising funds and support for major capital improvements including Everett Stadium, and the Kirk Athletic Center.
In addition to his accolades on the field, Favret mentored nine of his players to being named to the Gammon Cup, which is given each year to the H-SC student-athlete member of the graduating who best served the College.
Before leading the Hampden-Sydney football program, Favret coached at his alma mater Catholic University of America for six seasons as the offensive coordinator and assistant head coach. Favret compiled 50 wins over six years and the school claimed the ODAC Title in 1999 while the Favret-led offense ranked first in both total offense and scoring.
Prior to joining the staff at Catholic University, Favret served as the head junior football coach and taught World and European History at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C.
Favret graduated from the Catholic University of America in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. Favret was a four-year starter for the Catholic U. basketball team and established a school record when he knocked down 18 consecutive field goals.
"These are exciting times for Lees-McRae," said Favret. "I am ready for the challenge of ushering in a fresh and new era with Bobcat athletics. My energy and enthusiasm will be rooted in the idea of collaborating with coaches and staff to get '1% better every day'. With that in mind, my wife and I look forward to being part of the Lees-McRae family."
Lees-McRae College was assisted in this national search by the executive search firm Buffkin Baker, and search consultants Ken Carrick, Janny DeLoach, and Martin Baker.
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