McNeese Hall of Fame trainer Jim “Doc” Murphy announces retirement

LAKE CHARLES – Jim “Doc” Murphy, a 2011 McNeese Sports Hall of Fame inductee and a member of the Louisiana Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame and recipient of the prestigious Jim Finks Award, has announced his retirement effective June 30 after 36 years as the McNeese Director of Sports Medicine.

“Doc” began his McNeese career in 1975 when Jack Doland was the head football coach and spent 13 seasons as the head trainer until taking a job in El Paso in 1988. He returned to McNeese in 1994 for a 20-year run, and in 2014, took a job as a physical therapist out in west Texas until he returned to Cowboy Country in 2018 to lead the sports medicine department.

Hunter Martin, who Murphy hired when he returned in 2018 and has been the football program’s trainer, will be promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine.

“Doc is an institution,” Athletic Director Heath Schroyer said. “His dedication and service to McNeese is beyond approach. He’s an absolute legend! We are going to miss him, but I’m excited for he and his family. He’s leaving behind a fabulous reputation and some big shoes to fill.”

“It’s been great here at McNeese,” said Murphy. “It’s been a real interesting and enjoyable time. I’ve met some really great people and have worked with tremendous coaches, athletes and administrators. I would like to thank my wife, Debby, and my family for all of their support and willingness to sacrifice and allow me to do a job that I love. I want to also thank Dr. David Drez for the knowledge, friendship and guidance. And to Dr. (Daryl) Burckel for brining me back and allowing me to retire as a Cowboy.”

Murphy has seen tens of thousands of athletes walk through his doors during in his 36 years.

“There have been some great ones such as Leonard Smith, Buford Jordan, Stephan Starring Ann Robique and Joe Dumars,” he said. “Some really great athletes, but more than that, a lot of great individuals. I don’t like to say names because I don’t want to leave anyone out. I could go on for hours.

“When I started, we had about 125 athletes, all males, in eight sports and some of those played two sports. Now we have well over 400 athletes in 16 sports.”

Doc said Martin is more than ready to take over the department.

“He has a ton of potential as an athletic trainer,” said Murphy about Martin. “He and I have worked on one real goal, and that was for him to take over when I retired. I’m leaving it in great hands with a young man with a lot of common sense and intelligence.”

“I’m excited to have Hunter move into the role,” said Schroyer. “Doc has been molding him for the last few years and he’s more than ready to step in and take the reigns. Hunter has the intelligence, poise and passion to lead our sports medicine department. He is a true asset to our team and couldn’t be more thrilled to work with him in his new role.”

Doc says he’ll take the first couple of months of retirement to go fishing and visit friends, then will see what the future holds.

“After a couple of months, I’ll start looking for something to do,” he said. “I’m still a certified athletic trainer and a licensed physical therapist. But I’ve done this long enough.”

Martin was Murphy’s first hire in 2018 after spending two years as a graduate assistant at Southern Miss where he earned his master’s degree in sports management. Prior to that, he was an undergrad at LSU where he received his bachelor’s degree in athletic training. The 28-year-old also spent two summers in 2013 and 2014 as an intern with the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“First off, I want to thank Doc Murphy for everything he’s done and by giving me every opportunity to go after my goals in my career,” Martin said. “His experience has been invaluable to me. He’s like the Don of Athletic training and is one of the best in this region and has been for years. I’m very grateful to have been able to learn from him these last three years. Not too many people are privileged to say that. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience.”

Martin is one of the top young, up-and-coming athletic trainers in the region, if not the nation.

“Personally, being able to have the opportunity of being so young and given the lead in this position and know that people trust in me, it’s very humbling,” said Martin. “I can’t thank Doc Murphy enough for his mentoring and Coach Schroyer for believing in me. And of course, all of the coaches and student-athletes for trusting in me and my staff.

“Everything we do is for the well-being of our student-athletes, to make sure we can do everything possible throughout their careers here at McNeese.”