TTalk: Beyond the Field - TTalk with Larry Route

TTalk with Larry Route

03/13/24 • 47 min

Larry Route, a Covington, Louisiana native and former Tulane All-American football standout, shares his amazing story. Larry suffered a broken neck in high school, but he battled back from what could have been a career ending injury and convinced his mother to allow him back onto the field. Larry's exceptional talent caught the eye of renowned coach Lou Holtz, leading to a tough decision between Tulane and Arkansas. Larry chose to stay close to home so his mom could see him play.

Larry found himself in a unique College environment. Things were changing; Tulane was no longer playing in their on-campus stadium, they were playing in the Superdome. Larry studied Sports Administration and had to balance tough classes with playing Division I sports, especially during away games.

At first, Larry played as a receiver, but then he switched to the H-back/tight end position. He worked hard to bulk up from 180 to 205 pounds during his redshirt freshman year. He knew he had to keep getting better, especially when playing tough teams. Larry remembers how great it felt when his big plays helped Tulane seal the victory over Florida State.

Larry talks about his college days, his career after graduating, and how college sports are changing, in a conversation led by Tulane Hall of Famer Carmen Jones.

Previous Episode

Black Alumni Weekend Podcast introduction of Harold Sylvester

Moderator Ro Brown a renowned Sports Director and Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer introduces panelist Harold Sylvester. Mr. Sylvester is an award winning actor, director and writer and was the first Black student-athlete at Tulane on an athletic scholarship and the first basketball player.

The TClub is recording a multi-episode series titled, How the Wave Rolls: Navigating Muddy Waters from Stephen Martin to the Cotton Bowl. Episode 1 was recorded in conjunction with Tulane's Inaugural Black Alumni Weekend on 2/24/24. The Black athlete experience at Tulane did not begin until the 1960's. Today's panel provides some insight into the trauma and triumph of the men and women of Tulane Athletics over the past sixty years.

Next Episode

How the Wave Rolls: Navigating Muddy Waters from Stephen Martin to the Cotton Bowl EP1

We gathered to honor legends like Harold Sylvester, Charlie Hall, John Washington, Sharon Hill, and the enduring legacy of Stephen Martin Sr., whose stories of triumph and challenges during Black Alumni Weekend left us in awe. They, along with current student-athlete Sincere Haynesworth, peeled back layers of history, revealing the raw and real adjustments they faced in the realms of race, culture, and education. These conversations were an emotional homage to the spirit of resilience and the pursuit of equity in the athletic world, reminding us that the playing field is far more than just a piece of turf.

How the Wave Rolls: Navigating Muddy Waters from Stephen Martin to the Cotton Bowl.
TTalk Live: Black Alumni Weekend (recorded 2/24/24)

Moderator: Ro Brown renowned Sports Director, Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer;

Panelists:

Dr. Stephen Martin, Jr. whose father was the first Black student-athlete at Tulane, the first baseball player and the first to play a varsity sport in the SEC;
Harold Sylvester award winning actor and writer, the first Black student-athlete at Tulane on an athletic scholarship and the first basketball player;
Charlie Hall and John Washington two of the first Black student-athletes to play football at Tulane;
Sharon Hill the first Black student-athlete to play Women's basketball;
Sincere Haynesworth a captain of the 2023 Cotton Bowl Championship team and a recipient of the Stephen Martin Scholars Award.
(00:00) - Celebrating Black Athlete Stories
(10:34) - Stephen Martin, Sr.
(25:41) - The Seventies
(41:47) - Sharon Hill
(46:47) - Importance of Academics
(53:00) - Sincere Haynesworth
(01:08:05) - Q & A Memorable Impactful moments
(01:54:00) - Navigating College Athletics and Finances

Remembering Stephen Martin, Sr.

This podcast includes reflections on the remarkable life and legacy of Stephen Martin, Sr., an exceptional student-athlete who faced the challenges of segregation during his time at Tulane University. We discuss his decision to attend Tulane, sacrificing the chance to play his best sport, football. Despite the racial barriers of the era, Martin's profound character and intelligence shine through as we recount his high school achievements and the systemic issues that shaped his collegiate athletic career. We touch upon the complicated factors that led to Martin's unique path to Tulane, including withheld recruitment letters and the decision not to play football due to safety concerns. Martin's baseball career at Tulane is highlighted, where he still faced significant racial threats, showcasing his courage and the harsh realities of the times. Through the recollections and perspectives shared, we honor Stephen Martin Sr.'s enduring impact as both an athlete and a human being.

To one of Tulane's finest, Roll Wave!

Thanks to:

Podcast participants Ro Brown, Charlie Hall, John Washington, Sharon Hill, Sincere Haynesworth; and Harold Sylvester and Dr. Stephen Martin, Jr who also participated on the podcast planning committee along with Carmen Jones, Jim Becnel, Justin Thompson, Journe Smith and Zoe Yates.

Special Thanks to: