Martin looks to rebound in cross country

by Paul Shugar
THE POST

Freshman cross country runners can only expect one thing when they make the jump from high school to college - work, and lots of it.

With all the hard work, cross country runner Mickey Martin wasn't looking to be the team's second runner in his first year.

"I did expect to help out a little, but not to be right up with our top runner, and contribute as much as I did," Martin said.

Head Coach Elmore Banton said Martin actually was not recruited for cross country.

"His middle distance speed impressed us the most, but especially since he was such a good cross country runner and that shows he could improve a lot," Banton said. "He was a very pleasant surprise for the (cross country) team since I usually look for only good distance runners when I recruit."

Martin, however, was a talented high school cross country runner for St. Ignatius H.S. in Parma Heights, Ohio. His junior year he was the runner-up at the Division I State Championships, and he finished 12th in the state his senior year. His personal best time in a 5-kilometer race was 15 minutes 44 seconds, but his coach still didn't expect him to be a great cross country runner.

"I felt ready for cross country since Coach Banton is such a good coach and prepared us very well for the jump from high school to college," Martin said.

The preparation helped Martin blaze onto the scene at Ohio and secure the second spot on the team for most of the year behind then senior Chris Cave. He set a personal best of 25:44, placing 25th in the Mid-American Conference Championships. He also was awarded the Freshman MVP award.

Former cross country runner Ben Myers said Martin adds more to the team than just his talent.

"He brings a good and positive attitude, and is willing to bust himself to get better," Myers said. "This is a good example for the rest of the team and incoming freshmen. It helps the team to have a guy with this kind of attitude to look at."

Banton said despite Martin's success, he still has a long way to go.

"He has to get stronger especially in the middle part of the race," he said. "Many freshman have problems with this jumping from 5K (kilometer races) to 8K (races)."

Martin might have a problem reaching those endurance levels during summer workouts because of an injury. He injured his hamstring in track this year, and the injury ended his season prematurely.

Myers, who also suffered a major running injury in his career, said if Martin eases back into workouts he should not have to worry about re-injury.

"Right now my leg feels fine and I'm cleared to start running June 1, but I have to take it slow," Martin said. "I have the advantage that I have all summer to catch up, and it is much easier to catch up while you're not competing."

Martin said enjoys some advantages because he has the speed of a middle-distance runner.

"Each course caters to a different runner," he said. "I'm better on flat courses and having a strong kick helps you stay competitive all the way to the end."

Myers said Martin should show improvement as a sophomore.

"Sophomore years are one of your bigger years since you adapt to the distance, and come back and usually make a big jump (in time)," Myers said.