Lightning struck three times last Thursday (April 26) at Hillsboro.
The trio of thunderbolts came from the right arms of seniors Isaiah Martin and Logan Smith.
When I got up to the Hawks’ nest (actually, the press box) at Hillsboro at the start of the second day of the Jefferson County Activities Association track and field championships, athletic director Ed Moreno told me about how Martin, one of his athletes, had already thrown the javelin 187-7.
Martin won the first ever Class 4 state championship in the event last spring with a toss of 161-9 and flirted with 170-foot-plus throws this season.
But a quad injury kept him from competing in the prestigious Kansas Relays late last month, and Hillsboro head coach Todd Medley said he didn’t know if Martin would be medically cleared to compete in the conference meet until two days before it began.
After Moreno’s announcement that Martin was not only back, but in rare form, I was eager to get closer to the action, so I made my way down to the javelin competition area.
Always cautious of scratching, Martin let the arrow fly several feet before the end line. The throw had a perfect trajectory as it landed. Grandview head football coach Dave Dallas made the measurement as the tape was stretched taut and yelled, “One hundred and ninety-four feet!”
Martin’s mom, Carlysle Carrie Martin, led the cheering section as heads were shaking in amazement.
“I’ve been resting for two weeks and I’ve had a lot of time to prepare mentally,” said Martin, who as is humble as anyone I’ve ever met. “I was hungry to come out and show something today.”
According to the momilesplit website, Derrick Boyce of Pattonville had the longest throw in the state this season in all classes of 188-3 on April 19 before Martin passed him.
One of the people clapping for Martin was Smith, who joined the De Soto track and field team this year. Before Martin’s record throw, Smith set a school record of his own in the javelin with a 175-7 measurement.
“I’m trying to compete with Isaiah,” Smith said. “It’s not intimidating. It’s more like if he can do it, why can’t I? His finish is phenomenal. I’m trying to get there.
“Throwing the javelin is all about steadiness, speed and you have to be relaxed at the same time. All that’s going through your head during the run up is ‘Am I going to cross that line?’ It’s very nerve-wracking.”
Smith competes only in the javelin, whereas Martin will be a contender for state championships in four events. He’s been a top hurdler in the state the last three years. In Jefferson City last spring, Martin finished third in the 110-meter hurdles and second in the 300 hurdles.
At the conference meet, he won the 300 hurdles and was fourth in the 200 (23.66 seconds). He could also compete in the long jump.
“We always expect something big from Isaiah,” Hillsboro head coach Todd Medley said. “(Smith) from De Soto comes up right before him and throws a (175-7), and everybody’s ooohing and aaahing and Isaiah throws 187-7.”
I told Medley that Martin might cross 200 feet if he makes the throw right at the line.
“That’s the way he feels more comfortable,” Medley said of Martin pulling up short. “If he really gets a hold of one, he doesn’t want to scratch. It’s working for him and I’m not going to mess with him.”
Martin has one month left in his high school career, and what a career it’s been. He was the county’s top wide receiver during his junior year, but he chose not to play football last fall. He worked his way into the starting lineup for the district champion basketball team this winter and his pressure-style of defense forced turnovers that led to Gaven Pinkley-Michael Brewer alley-oop highlight reel baskets.
During football season, Martin signed to compete in track and field at Purdue University.
Medley said Martin won’t be satisfied until he reaches 200 feet.
“He’ll look at the video and see where his foot placement was and if he locked everything up,” Medley said. “He’ll look at all the angles. He’s been around professionals. He’ll give 200 feet a shot.”
Martin’s mom knows the next month will fly by and it’ll be painful to watch him leave the nest and head to West Lafayette, Ind. She’s said she cherishing the memories.
“I enjoy watching him,” she said. “I enjoy watching everyone react to him. I enjoy him teaching the other kids. He has no issues helping anyone. I love watching him. He’s so much fun.
“Not to sound like the boasting mom, but you hear how wonderful he is and how coachable he is. He’s a great kid, student and athlete. I love his personality.”
Last year, Martin had De Soto graduate Lamont Allen to push him to greatness. Now that Allen is at Illinois State University clearing 7 feet in the high jump, another De Soto athlete is keeping Martin sharp.
“It’s always fun to have a new challenge,” Smith said. “I feel like Spartacus throwing a big spear. I work every day to try and beat Isaiah. I feel accomplished today.”
With all that Martin has achieved as an athlete at Hillsboro, it might be fitting to honor him somehow.
“We might have to call it the Isaiah Martin javelin runway,” Medley said, not really joking.