Mateo Martinez Created Special Bond With East Teammates
Checking in at an even 6-feet tall and weighing in at 231 pounds, Mateo Martinez presented an imposing figure on the Waterloo East defense. While Martinez and the Trojans saw their season come to an end with a loss to…
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Continue ReadingChecking in at an even 6-feet tall and weighing in at 231 pounds, Mateo Martinez presented an imposing figure on the Waterloo East defense.
While Martinez and the Trojans saw their season come to an end with a loss to West Delaware last week in the playoffs, the year was one the senior will never forget.
“The bonds I made this year with my teammates is something that I feel like I’ll remember for a lifetime,” he said. “Even though the season didn’t go quite as we expected, I feel like we experienced lots of growth as a unit.
“We became a lot closer and that means a lot to me.”
Martinez noted a September game with Waverly-Shell Rock as a moment that helped form that bond.
“Playing in the pouring rain, even though we didn’t get it done, the energy of the game was unmatched,” Martinez said. “It’s something I don’t think I’ll ever forget.”
On the year, Martinez recorded 35 tackles with 22 being solo stops and six for loss. He also had 1.5 sacks. As a junior, Martinez recorded 57 tackles including 50 solo stops and six for loss.
“My main goal has always been to be the best football player I can be,” Martinez said. “That focus hasn’t changed much. It’s just time to get right back to work.”
Martinez has yet to make a decision on his college future but said “I try to have an open mind about any opportunity I already have or potentially might come along.” He holds offers from Mount Marty, Iowa Central, Quincy, Grand View and Graceland.