New Mexico Governor Honors El Paso Basketball Player Roman Martinez

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson declared March 3 “Roman Martinez Day” in New Mexico.

Martinez, who played at Montwood High School in El Paso, is the lone senior on the University of New Mexico men’s basketball team. He is playing in his final home game tonight.

The eighth-ranked Lobos will take on TCU tonight before a sold out crowd for a shot at claiming the Mountain West Conference title outright-

Below is a copy of the proclamation:

WHEREAS, tonight is Senior Night at University Arena, known as “The Pit,” for the University of New Mexico Men’s Lobo Basketball Team; and

WHEREAS, Roman Martinez, the only Senior on the squad, will be making his 100th career start in his last game as a Lobo in The Pit before a sold-out crowd; and

WHEREAS, Roman is only the third player in Lobo history to reach 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 150 3-pointers in a career. To-date, Roman has 1,091 points, 614 rebounds and 189 3-pointers; and

WHEREAS, Roman has been instrumental in securing the Lobo’s 27-3 record, 8th place ranking in the AP Poll, and at least a share of the Mountain West Conference Title; and

WHEREAS, Roman has also shown tremendous success off the court by maintaining a 3.5 grade point average and is the Lobo’s first Academic All-American in 35 years; and

WHEREAS, Roman has proven he is a leader, both on-and-off the court, and has set a high standard of achievement for all student-athletes; and

WHEREAS, Roman is one of the most beloved and respected players in Lobo history;

NOW, THEREFORE I, Bill Richardson, Governor of the State of New Mexico , do hereby proclaim March 3, 2010 as:

“Roman Martinez Day” throughout the State of New Mexico .

Attest: Done at the Executive Office this 3rd day of March, 2010.

Bill Richardson

Governor