Here's my Hometown Hero, with a personal connection (and story):
Larry Martin is a (recently retired) high school math teacher. But Larry has a passion for running, and the sport of Track and Field. Lots of teachers also coach sports, but not with the passion, dedication and exuberance for the sport that Larry did. He was a coach (of mostly distance running events) for 3 decades, but more importantly he was instrumental in the development of the high school Track and Field organization for the entire state.
Larry's enthusiasm was contagious, as you might imagine. So in his later years he had a ready supply of past athletes and other teachers, also fully spun up on the total Track and Field experience, coaching the other events, and eventually taking over the reins as coaches here in town so that Larry could concentrate more on the State program needs.
Anyone who has ever coached high school sports in New Hampshire will tell you that you definitely do not do it for the money. The paltry stipend they allow for coaches here doesn't even cover your gas to get to all of the events. And Track is a 3 season sport. Cross country in the fall, indoor track in winter, and moving outdoors for the spring season.
My connection was a direct one, as my son was a direct recipient of Larry's attention and goodwill. Believe it or not, Larry used to watch all of the grammar school athletic events himself, looking for his next, future track stars. My son was one that was noticed as a 12 year old and eventually worked his way onto the High School team. He ended up having a noteworthy high school track career, and a rewarding overall high school experience, in a very big part because of these energetic track coaches. Which eventually translated to a full ride scholarship at a big (for the east) Division 1 school.
But, my son was definitely not the only one to have benefited so much from Larry and his coaching crew. A few years back the school's track was upgraded with improved surfaces and equipment. It is one of the few 8 lane high school tracks in the whole state (most are only 6). After the big upgrade the town saw it fitting due to Larry's long and tireless dedication to the kids and the sport, to dedicate the facility to the legendary coach that put the town (some say the state) on the Track and Field map.
Larry Martin Track & Field Complex Dedication CeremonyAs an addendum, after my son had gotten so much out of this high school track program, and had already begun his college career, I too got caught up in coaching for Larry, and coached the jumping events (High, Long and Triple Jumps) for the school for the next 5 years. I felt that it was the least that I could do after all we had benefited from it as a family.
