From State On The Gridiron To State On The Mat

SEATTLE: Jonah Martin is a sophomore wrestling star for the O’Dea Fighting Irish, Martin is one of 5 members of the Irish wrestling team and one of three sophomores who qualified for state (Adam Kloeppel and Nat Badley were the others). Martin was a center for the Irish football team in the fall prior to the wrestling season and it definitely prepared him for the wrestling season,

Martin said, “It’s been exciting participating in the state this year since I’ve never experienced it before, however, there’s a lot more pressure in wrestling.”

Clearly, Martin is young and taking everything in and just enjoying the experience however Martin has a great opportunity to be the first state medalist O’Dea has had since 2020. Gaining experience as he’s only a sophomore and he’ll definitely use this experience along with the great training O’Dea provides to get better for next year and beyond. I asked Martin what his preparations have been in cutting or gaining weight to get into his weight class,

Martin said, “I’m in the 220-weight class and I have never had to cut weight because I’ve maintained my walking around weight to 218- 219.”

Martin has been blessed but has also worked to not have to go to the extremes to bulk or cut, therefore he’s able to always be properly hydrated and not stressed about making weight, something, not every wrestler can say for various reasons. Next, I asked Martin about his mentality when it came to wrestling compared to football,

Martin said, “My mentality has definitely changed I believe that wrestling has made me mentally tougher than any other sport I have played but it has also made me the most nervous.”

Wrestling is a little different than football, it’s a 1v1 in wrestling, not 11v11, everyone is watching you two, there are no teammates just you and your opponent and one guy wins. Martin’s a sophomore, he’s clearly going to have nerves, but make no mistake, Martin is clearly not nervous when he’s on the mat, his vicious mentality is what has led him to this point in the season. And lastly, I asked Martin what sport he feels like he’s the most successful in,

Martin said, “I feel most successful in wrestling right now because I've been able to compete at all the Varsity tournaments and matches this year.”

Martin has clearly made splashes this year on the mat, there’s really no questioning that. This is just the start for Martin and his career as a wrestler for the Irish, his next match is Friday which is a part of the state tournament.