From 1969 to 1991, Jackson State’s track and field teams were consistently ranked among the best in the world. At the helm of the Flying Tigers’ program was Martin Epps. He helped build the JSU track program from the ground up and brought a level of respectability to JSU track and field. He is arguably the most successful coach of any sport in Southwestern Athletic Conference history.
During his tenure, JSU won six NAIA indoor track and field national championships and an NAIA outdoor track and field title. From 1973 to 1979, the Tigers dominated the track and field scene. In addition to the national championships, JSU also won four straight NAIA District championships.
He was named the SWAC Coach of the Year during the following years: 1972-73, 1975-76, 1977-78, 1978-79. He also claimed NAIA District 27-30 Coach of the Year honors in 1973-74, 1975-76, 1977-78 and 1978-79. JSU was a NAIA national championship runner up in 1974 and in 1980.
Epps guided his Tigers to SWAC Cross Country championships in the following seasons: 1975, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986.