Marshall L. Berger, a native of Martinsville, VA, was recruited by West Virginia State College (WVSC) to play football in 1973.
During Marshall’s four years at WVSC, he was a 3 year letterman. He led the team in sacks for two years. He was also among team leaders in tackles. Marshall was named WVIAC Player of Week numerous times throughout his career. Marshall collected a total of 16 tackles, one block punt and a partially blocked punt in addition to “throwing” the quarterback for two key losses during an upset over undefeated Fairmont State College. He was named to the All-West Virginia Conference Defensive Team in 1976. Other notable contributions included the WVSC record in long jump.
In 1976, he was voted by his teammates as team co-captain. Marshall was described by Coach Cameron as a “quiet, steady type of leader” who was a “leader by ability.” His talent as a defensive end was described as “spectacular fashion” following a game against Glenville State College in which he scored two touchdowns. Coach Cameron was also quoted as saying Marshall “will probably be the senior toughest to replace. At defensive end, I’ve seen no one better.” In 1978 he signed with the WV Rockets of the American Football Association (AFL).
Marshall continued his leadership off the field, currently serving as Director of the James H. “Tiger” Morton Juvenile Center in Dunbar, WV. He has worked in the juvenile correction system for 34 years. Marshall is the founder of the Juvenile Detention Prevention Program. He extended the Detention Prevention Program to include all of the middle schools in the Kanawha Valley and the Upward Bound Program at WV State University. He is a member of the National Juvenile Detention Association and the American Correction Education. Marshall has also served the community by coaching biddy basketball and softball and volunteering for Special Olympics.
Marshall is married to Florence Berger (Woodson). He has 2 daughters, Nakia Berger and Kim Woodson-Hall, one son, Tommy Woodson-Hall. He also has a grandson, Lyric.
