by Austin Marsman

It’s been 30 years since the golden year of Martin athletics, the 1987-88 academic year that was truly a memorable year for sports in Martin. And the community came together to celebrate it lastFriday night.

In 1987, the Martin football team won a state championship in the fall, beating Beal City 21-0 in the famed Pontiac Silverdome. During that school year, the wrestling team won a state championship in the winter, the girls basketball team made it to the Class D state championship game, and the boys basketball team fought to the Class D state semifinals.

Martin Athletic Director Robert Vandenberg commented, “It was a magical year with many great memories.”

Vandenberg was inducted into the Martin Hall of Fame a few years ago. He Vandenberg was the head coach of the Martin girls’ basketball team that boasted a 26-1 record in the fall of 1987. The only loss for his team was at the Class D state finals, where the Lady Clippers lost a 65-59 decision to Walkerville.

The long tournament runs not only made for plenty of school spirit, but also impacted the entire community. Whether fans made the trek to the east side of the state, or listened to games on the radio, they were memorable events for many.

In 1987-88, the Martin wrestling team followed up the football state championship with a state title of its own. Coach Tom Koops and his Clipper wrestlers defeated defending Class D state champion Lawton 48-18 to win the title.

The boys’ basketball team, like the girls, also took a long shot at the state title. Unfortunately, it came to a crashing halt when they fell 60-56 to Beal City in the Class D state semifinals.

All four of the Martin teams from 1987-88 were honored at the home Martin hoops games last Friday. They congregated at center court and led those present in the school fight song.

(Photos by Austin Marsman)

The 1987 girls’ basketball team

The 1987-88 Clippers’ wrestling team