A 2002 TJ graduate, Martin was a four-year letterman in football as a highly recruited quarterback and defensive back, the starting point guard on the Spartans basketball team, a standout sprinter in track, and an honor roll student for four straight years.
Unlike many high school athletes, Martin’s career did not stop when he left the Thomas Jefferson campus. Shifting his focus to the defensive side of the ball at University of Wyoming, Martin made an immediate impact as a freshman, parlaying a successful college career into a 6th round selection by the Baltimore Ravens in 2006.
Martin will return to his high school alma mater later this month to host the 2008 Derrick Martin Spring Sportsfest, to benefit Thomas Jefferson High School Athletics. Martin has enlisted the support of NFL friends and local celebrities to help make the event a success.
On Sat., May 31 and Sun., June 1, a number of free and low-cost activities will take place at TJ and at nearby locales. All Saturday events will be held at Thomas Jefferson High School, 3950 S. Holly St.
Boys and girls alike will learn football from both sides of the ball, with free kids football and cheerleading clinics for grades 1-8, on Sat., May 31, 10a.m.
Whether you’re an experienced player or just a beginner, boy or girl, the non-contact Football Clinic will offer instruction by NFL players on the same techniques they learn in the pros. Enrollment is limited to 150 participants, so get your registration application in early.
The Cheer Clinic concentrates on basic skills including jumps, motions and tumbling. No experience is necessary. Learn a routine to perform at the Celebrity Basketball Game later in the day. Limited to 75 participants.
At 6:30p.m., the Celebrity Basketball Game will pit a team of professional athletes against a high-spirited group of local celebrity and non-celebrity players. A few spots were still available at press time for kids to collect pledges of $100 or more to purchase a spot on the roster to play against the pros. (Visit www.derrickmartin.org for details.) Another chance to play will go to one lucky youngster chosen from the first 200 to register at the game, who will be selected to join the locals squad.
The following afternoon, Sun., 1p.m., the festivities will move to Monaco Lanes, 6767 Leetsdale Dr., for a Celebrity Bowl & Silent Auction. Admission is $7 in advance and $10 at the door. VIP Passes, including bowling, food and drinks, cost $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Families are invited out to join the NFL celebrities for some bowling fun. Bowlers or teams (4-5 bowlers) will be eligible for door prizes. There will also be a 20-minute autograph/photo session with some of the celebrity attendees. The Silent Auction will feature signed memorabilia and other fine prizes.
NFL player appearances confirmed at press time included: Derrick Martin, Cory Ross and Jermaine Winborne of the Baltimore Ravens; and Evan Oglesby of the Dallas Cowboys. More names are expected to be released as the event draws near.
For details or to register for events, visit www.derrickmartin.org or call Greg Benton at Flying Colors Sports, 513-759-6928.
