From one coach to another

Clarke alum Scott Martin credits his former coach for his success

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W.T. Clarke football coach John Boyle always knew that Scott Martin was a born leader.

An All-County linebacker who donned the Rams uniform from 1995 to 1998, Martin was captain when the team won its last county championship in 1997.

Because he had led by example throughout his high school career, it came as no surprise to Boyle when, following four years of Division II football at C.W Post, Martin went into coaching. “I always knew he had that burning desire to be part of the game,” said Boyle, who just completed his 28th season as Clarke’s coach. “I had a feeling he was going to go into coaching after he played at Post.”

Martin, now 34, a phys. ed. teacher in the East Meadow School District for 12 years and the head coach of Long Beach High School since 2008, led the Marines to their first playoff victory in 25 years on Nov. 7, when they defeated Mepham High School, 34-27, to earn a spot in the Conference II semifinals.

Four days later, Martin received more good news when the New York Jets named him their High School Coach of the Week. The award shocked Martin, who was busy preparing for his team’s next game when he heard the news. “It’s something we didn’t expect,” he said. “We were very excited, my family and the coaches. It really shows that we’re working hard.”

The award, according to the Jets website, recognizes tri-state-area coaches who teach sound fundamentals, motivate young players and promote a sense of community on their teams. Long Beach High School’s football program will also receive $2,000.

The Marines have reached the playoffs in five straight seasons under Martin, and, while he credited the hard work of his players and staff, he said that he owed much of his success to his former high school coach. “Coach Boyle has been a great influence on me,” Martin said. “He helped guide me through high school, and even through college he followed my career. He’s still a mentor to me now.”

As soon as he began teaching in East Meadow, Martin volunteered as a coach at Clarke, under Boyle. When he later became an assistant coach, it took Boyle all of four days to name him defensive coordinator.

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