Heidelberg Athletics Hall of Fame
Marty Fanning, a 1971 graduate of Oberlin High School and a 1975 graduate of Heidelberg College, was a standout receiver while wearing the Heidelberg colors.
Born in Galion, he caught 97 passes in 27 games during his career with the Student Princes for 1,781 yards for an average of 18.36 yards per catch and a dozen touchdowns.
In 1974 he had one of his finest hours for Heidelberg when he caught nine passes for 189 yards against rival Ohio Northern.
Selected as the Most Valuable Player in 1974, he was a member of the 1972 national championship team and Ohio Athletic Conference championship team as he earned honorable mention All-OAC.
Fanning was second team All-OAC in 1973 and first team in 1974 when he was selected to play in the All-Ohio Shrine Bowl.
His final season in 1974 for the Student Princes, Fanning caught 45 passes in nine games for 908 yards, an average of 20.17 yards per catch, and six touchdowns.
As a junior, a year in which he was injured, he still caught 23 passes in seven games for 351 yards an average of 15.20 yards per catch and two scores.
Heidelberg knew quickly they had a standout in 1972 when Fanning began his varsity career by latching onto 29 passes for 522 yards, an average of 18 yards per catch and four touchdowns in 11 games.
Prior to coming to Heidelberg, Fanning had an excellent sports career at Oberlin High School in football and basketball.
In 1970 he was the tri-captain of the Lakeland Conference championship team and earned his team's Most Valuable Player Award.
He also received honorable mention Lorain County Golden Helmet and was first team All-Lakeland Conference selection at end.
Fanning's high school basketball credits are just as impressive as he was first team All-Lakeland Conference, the leading scorer on his team and set the school mark in steals during the 1971-72 season after leading the team in scoring and gaining second team conference honors during the 1970-71 campaign.
Currently serving as the superintendent at New Knoxville Local School, Fanning has a history of success since leaving Heidelberg College.
He served as the assistant football coach at the University of Findlay two years, was head football coach at Upper Scioto Valley High School for four years and spent three years as an assistant varsity football coach, sophomore basketball coach and assistant varsity track coach at Elmwood High School.
Fanning nearly quit football following his freshman season to concentrate on basketball.
Heidelberg is grateful he changed his mind.
(This profile appeared in the 1996 Hall of Fame Banquet program.)
