April 19, 2005

University of Illinois former football standouts Mike Martin and Sam Ellsworth have been selected to serve as honorary coaches for this weekend's Orange and Blue Spring Football Game. The game is scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, April 23 at Memorial Stadium.

Martin, who lettered from 1979-82, is one of the most prolific wide receivers in Illinois history. He started 22 games for the Illini, registering 143 catches and 2,300 yards. His career yardage ranks fourth all-time in the school record books. He averaged 16.1 yards per reception and caught 15 touchdown passes in his four years, which ranks third all-time. Martin is now the head football coach at Taft High School in Cincinatti, Ohio. He married the former Michelle White, who is a 1985 Illinois graduate and former cheerleader letterwinner.

Ellsworth, an Urbana native and graduate, was a four-year letterwinning linebacker for the Illini from 1983-84 and 1986-87. He was an All-Big Ten selection in 1986 and led the team in tackles in 1984. He wrapped up his Illini career with 237 total tackles, 16 for loss, while also scoring two defensive touchdowns.