Martin Pushkin

Martin Pushkin was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2002.

A native of Charleston, W.Va., Martin Pushkin earned three degrees from West Virginia University: a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1962, a Master of Science in Safety Education in 1964, and a doctorate in 1969. As a student, he was a varsity letterwinner in both track and soccer, serving as captain of the track team and of WVU’s first varsity soccer team in 1961.

After graduation, Pushkin began his coaching career at Virginia Tech (1964–76) and Northern Illinois (1976–80) before returning to WVU in 1981 as head coach for men’s and women’s track and field and cross country. Over the next 20 years, his athletes earned 23 All-America honors a total of 35 times. His programs captured multiple Atlantic 10 championships and made three NCAA Cross Country Championship appearances. Pushkin was a three-time NCAA Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year and guided teams to IC4A and District II titles.

Among the standout athletes he coached were Olympic gold medalist James Jett and national champions Pat Itanyi and Kate Vermeulen. He also recruited the first African American student-athlete at both WVU and Virginia Tech.

His professional involvement included leadership roles with the IC4A, Atlantic 10 Conference, and several national coaching and physical education associations.

Pushkin was instrumental in the creation of the WVU Sports Hall of Fame and served as its chair from 1991 to 1998. He was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.

Pushkin retired in 2001.