Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Siegel Coach and Teacher, Jeff Martin
The Siegel High School community is reeling after the sudden passing of Jeff Martin, a beloved coach and former chemistry teacher. Martin, 62, suffered a fatal heart attack on Sunday. His legacy of compassion, dedication and kindness reverberates through the halls of Siegel High modality, where he left an indelible mark, not only as a coach but a mentor, teacher, and friend.
A Legacy of Inspiration Ouside the Classroom
Martin was one of the original staff members when Siegel High School opened its doors in 2003. Following his retirement as a teacher in 2020, Martin remained staunchly dedicated to his students, continuing his role as the head coach of the tennis program, a program he pioneered.
The devotion didn’t stop there. Martin was a fervent supporter of Siegel athletics, always willing to lend a helping hand, often tracking statistics for the football team. His willingness to go the extra mile made him a respected figure among students and colleagues alike.
Tributes Overflow on Social Media
News of Martin’s passing spread quickly, sparking an outpouring of emotion on social media. Former players, colleagues, and community members shared heartfelt tributes to a man who deeply touched their lives.
- Principal Creasy shared on X: “We are saddened to hear that @SiegelHighStars longtime Tennis Head Coach Jeff Martin passed away this morning. He was a Chemistry Teacher prior to his retirement but remained on as the Tennis Head Coach. Please keep his family in your prayers.”
- Former Siegel quarterback Thomas Santel wrote: “He was a great man, always uplifted me if we had a tough Friday night.”
- Siegel Football celebrated Martin’s life online: “The Siegel and Murfreesboro community will greatly miss Jeff. Truly selfless person. Prayers to the family and friends. So thankful to have been able to know and work alongside this good man.”
- Siegel Women’s Soccer added, “We are heartbroken over the loss of Coach Martin. He always had a smile on his face when he came and visited and always knew what was going on with all sports. He loved Siegel, and we won’t be the same without him.”
His impact transcended his roles as a coach and teacher. Martin’s kindness touched everyone around him. His presence will be deeply missed, a testament to the meaningful relationships he built throughout his career at Siegel. The community mourns the loss of a wonderful man who dedicated his life to serving others.
* What sport did Jeff Martin coach?
## Remembering Jeff Martin: A Siegel High Legend
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re remembering Jeff Martin, a beloved coach and teacher who passed away suddenly this past Sunday. With us to share his memories of Jeff is Larry Creasy, Principal of Siegel High School. Larry, thank you for joining us.
**Larry Creasy:** It’s my pleasure to be here. This is a difficult time for our school community, but we are determined to honor Jeff’s memory.
**Host:** Jeff was with Siegel from the very beginning, wasn’t he?
**Creasy:** That’s right. He was one of our original teachers when Siegel High opened its doors in 2003. [[1](https://www.dnj.com/story/sports/high-school/2024/12/01/jeff-martin-death-siegel-tennis-coach-62/76690415007/)]He touched so many lives during his time here, both as a chemistry teacher and, of course, as the head coach of our tennis program.
**Host:** I understand Jeff continued to coach even after he retired from teaching in 2020.
**Creasy:** He did. His passion for tennis and for our students never faltered. He built the tennis program from the ground up and many students benefitted from his guidance and mentorship.
**Host:** You mentioned mentorship. What stands out most to you about Jeff’s character?
**Creasy:** Jeff’s kindness and generosity were truly remarkable. He was always willing to go the extra mile for anyone who needed him, whether it was tracking statistics for the football team or simply lending a listening ear. He was a true friend to everyone he met.
**Host:** I see on social media, there has been an outpouring of tributes to Jeff.
**Creasy:** Absolutely. The Siegel community - students, parents, teachers, and alumni – are deeply saddened by his loss. Jeff was a cherished member of our school family, and he will be dearly missed.
**Host:** Thank you for sharing your memories of Jeff with us, Larry.
**Creasy:** Thank you.
**Host:** This has been a heartbreaking loss for Siegel High School, but Jeff Martin’s legacy of compassion, dedication, and kindness will undoubtedly live on through the countless lives he touched.
