KEEPING IT ALL IN THE FAMILY

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Apr 4, 2008 | by JUSTIN PEDERSON,

St. Mary's Ethan Martinez completed an undefeated senior season (34-0) with the Class 3A state 125-pound title. His loss in the state final his junior year kept him from joining the 15 wrestlers in Colorado high school history to win four titles.

For that, Martinez is The Gazette's Small Schools Wrestler of the Year.

When did you start wrestling?

I started when I was about 5 or 6 years old.

How did you get into wrestling?

I got into because my dad and uncle (Danny and Brian, the coaches at St. Mary's) used to be wrestlers. They passed it on to us I guess.

What does your schedule look like outside of the high school season?

I'm looking at right now maybe competing in about two national tournaments and maybe a couple others here in state, like maybe the state Greco and freestyle tournaments.

Which title was more difficult, 2006 or 2008?

I'd say probably 2008. In 2006 in the finals I'd wrestled that kid two times in that year. This year, the Centauri kid (Phillip Sheridan), I'd wrestled him two times, but I'd say this year was a little more challenging.

What is your favorite move?

Probably from when I'm (starting) on top, I like a simple tilt for back points. That's pretty much what I did all year. I throw in a leg and then I'd tilt them.

Do you prefer to stay on top or bottom?

I prefer neutral position actually because I feel comfortable wrestling from my feet. But I'd say favorite move would still be the tilt.

You use your legs more effectively that most high school wrestlers -- where did you learn those skills?

I had always done it and then I've had coaches through the years who were good at teaching how to ride with the legs. Over the years I've developed a sense of when I should use my legs.

What is your prematch routine?

I try not to be tense or nervous or thinking too much. I warm up with my brother (Ely, St. Mary's 130-pounder) or my cousin (Gabrian, 119). I'll run. I like to listen to my iPod.

Is there a particular song or band you listen to?

No. I listen to rap or hip hop or a little funk.

Are there any wrestlers you look up to or model your approach after?

I wouldn't really say that. The style of wrestling that I kind of relate to is one of my coaches, Dave Bennett. He's calm and he kind of lets you wrestle your match, but he's an attacking person. He's aggressive, but defensive. I kind of wait to let my opponent move and see how they wrestle.

What do you like most about wrestling?

Not only the rewards and benefits, staying in shape, having a pastime or hobby, but it develops character, teaches sportsmanship. This sport kind of shows that more because it's an individual sport.

You were quarterback on the football team this year. Do you play any other sports?

I played baseball my freshman and sophomore years and I'm playing this year.

Do any of them rival wrestling as your favorite?

No. It's definitely wrestling.

Did you ever think about going to a bigger public school?

It's been talked about with my dad, my brother and me, and my uncle and cousin. I kind of wanted to finish my senior year at St. Mary's. It's such a small school you know everybody. The teachers are great. The thought came up but I didn't even consider transferring. I wanted to graduate from St. Mary's and wrestle there.

What are your plans for college?

Right now I'm trying to get into the Air Force Academy. I'm looking at Cornell College in Iowa and maybe Chadron State in Nebraska. But I'm doing everything I can to get into the Air Force Academy.

Why the Air Force Academy?

The Air Force Academy has more to offer than most schools out there. I would come out with a great education and I'd like to wrestle for coach (Joel) Sharratt. It may be tough, but I'd rather spend four years studying and getting a great education and come out being able to provide for a family.

What are you going to major in?

I kind of want to stay around sports, so I'm leaning toward sports medicine and sports management.

What is your favorite movie?

I'm really into scary movies so I like "Texas Chainsaw Massacre", "Sleepy Hollow" and any Quentin Tarantino movie. My favorite Tarantino movie is "Pulp Fiction."

When you're not worried about making weight, what is your favorite food?

When I'm not worried about making weight I would have to say cheesecake and cupcakes.

And when you are worried about making weight?

Probably tuna sandwiches.

What do you do in your spare time?

Pretty much what every typical teenager does, hang out with friends, hang out with my brother (Ely) -- he's my closest friend -- hang out with my girlfriend, go to movies. My group of friends, we never have a plan. It's always spur of the moment.

If you could invite any three people to dinner, dead or alive, who would you invite?

I would have to say my grandmother, Lily, who just passed away. Probably both of my parents.

While growing up, did you, Ely and Gabrian break a lot of things around the house while wrestling?

No, not really, other than just putting holes in the walls from our heads and elbows.

Will your cousin Jordan (Gabrian's younger brother) be the best wrestler in the family?