CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Norfolk State University athletics director Marty L. Miller was among the 11 individuals inducted into this year's class of the Virginia Interscholastic Association Heritage Association (VIAHA) Hall of Fame on Friday night at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Charlottesville. 

The Hall is dedicated to preserving the legacy of African-American students and adults who participated in the Virginia Interscholastic Association from 1954-70 and its predecessor organization, the Virginia Interscholastic Athletic League (VIAL). Prior to public school desegregation, one of the most influential organizations in Virginia was the VIA, which served young African-American students who attended segregated high schools in the state.

"It is an honor to be recognized for my accomplishments during my high school career at John M. Langston High School," Miller said. "I would never have imagined that playing baseball and basketball in high school would result in my induction into such an esteemed society as the VIAHA."

Miller is a 1964 graduate of Langston High in Danville. He competed in basketball and baseball, where he had a .684 batting average his senior year and a career average of .513. He accepted a scholarship to Norfolk State University, where he was an All-CIAA player in 1967 and 1968. He became the university's first player selected as an NCAA College Division All-American in baseball. 

After a tour in the U. S. Army, Miller returned to Norfolk State as an assistant baseball coach in 1972 and became head coach in 1973. In his 32 years as head coach, he compiled a record of 718-543-3, won 17 conference championships and was named CIAA Coach of the Year 15 times. Now the school's athletics director, Miller is also a member of the NSU, CIAA, Hampton Roads Sports, Virginia Sports and Hampton Roads African American Sports halls of fame.

"I want to thank the members of the selection committee; my high school baseball and basketball coach, Dr. Howard "Hank Allen," for his guidance and tough love; and Charles Oliver, for giving me the opportunity to play little league baseball when no one else would select me for their teams," Miller said. "I also owe a great deal of gratitude to the Saunders brothers, who lived in my community, for introducing me to the game of baseball and encouraging me to play when I was five years old. This is a great honor for me, my family and all of the individuals who supported me in my development as a student-athlete."

Also among this year's inductees is Miller's high school coach at Langston High, Howard Allen.

The class features five athletes (Mattie Parham Belle -- Carver HS, Chesterfield County; Leroy Keyes – Carver HS, Newport News; Albert Arthur Megginson – Dunbar HS, Lynchburg; Marty Miller – Langston HS, Danville; and Charles Price – Parker-Gray HS, Alexandria); three coaches (Howard Allen – Langston HS, Danville; Walter Lovett – Carver HS, Newport News; and Harry Waters – Dunbar HS, Lynchburg); and three contributors (Garwin DeBerry – Burley and Charlottesville HS; Clarence Oliver – Petersburg HS; and Knox W. Tull, Jr. – Phenix HS, Hampton). Members of the class of 2017 bring total membership to 38. 

About the VIA Heritage Association Hall of Fame
The VIA Heritage Association Hall of Fame (VIAHA) is organized as a means of recognizing and preserving the rich heritage and legacy of African-American (Black) high school sports and activities under the direction of the VIA from 1954-70 and promoting greater appreciation and understanding of the contributions of blacks to the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The VIAL/VIA's original home was at Virginia State College (now Virginia State University) from 1954–1970. After merging with the Virginia High School League (VHSL), all VIA records are now stored at Virginia State University.