Amherst's football staff big help to Appomattox

Appomattox hired both its new football coach and new athletic director from the same source — Amherst’s football coaching staff.

Ron Carter, a teacher and coach at Amherst for the past 17 years and lifelong resident of Appomattox, succeeded Bob Hudson as the Raiders’ athletic director in late May. Hudson left in the spring semester to take a job in Virginia Tech’s sports recreation department with former softball coach Mary Tolley serving as the school’s interim AD.

Ben Martin, who started on the offensive lineman for four years at Liberty University under Sam Rutigliano and coached the Lancers’ offensive line for the past four seasons, replaced Jeremy Haymore, who resigned in late April. Haymore replaced Lance Carter in 2006, the year Carter joined Scott Abell’s staff at Amherst.

“It is an exciting move for me to coach the offense,” said Martin, who plans to implement a multiple formation option offense similar to what Abell used at Amherst, but different from the Single Wing run by the Raiders last fall. “It should go smoothly. Both offenses based on the run. There is a lot of speed on the team, and a lot of young talent.”

He said his first priority is familiarizing himself with his new players.

“These kids have gone through a lot of change, three head coaches in the last four years,” said Martin, who played at Heritage for three years before graduating from Lynchburg Christian Academy in 1995. “The biggest challenge will be getting to know these kids, what their abilities are, putting them in the right positions and building strong relationships.”

Carter is confident his first coaching hire was a good one in Martin.

“Having coached with him, he certainly knows football,” said Carter, who coached the defensive linemen and receivers at Amherst and was approved by the Appomattox school board on Thursday. “He played football at the Division I level. He was under a great mentor in Scott Abell, who he learned a lot from. Most of all, he’s just a great guy, who has great character. The kids are in great hands and we’re fortunate to have him. I’m certain he’s ready.”

Martin is glad to be going to Appomattox the same year as Carter.

“It will definitely make it an easier transition for me, having an athletic director I’m familiar with,” he said.

Carter, a 1982 graduate of Appomattox, was ready for the move to administration, especially since it brings him closer to home.

“I wanted to stay in athletics and I thought this was a great opportunity to stay in athletics in a broader sense now,” he said. “It happened to be in my hometown so that was a plus. I’m looking forward to it. It’s a bright future here.

“My objective as an athletic director is to instill character and responsibility into the program and teach the athletes to be successful,” he added. “I certainly think there are some talented kids at Appomattox.”

He won’t be on Martin’s coaching staff, but he did get permission to add two more assistants to the team, bringing the total to eight.

“I don’t have any coaching duties (but) I told him I’m willing to help him any way I can,” said Carter.