By Matt Browning

Tate Martin of Clearwater was voted the Wichita Small School Preseason Special Team Player of the Year. Martin received over 1,200 votes, which was more than 55 percent of the overall vote. “I’m very thankful to all my family, friends and my school that was a part of the voting during this and throughout my football career,” Martin said.

Last season, Martin was a second team all-league selection after recording 21 punts for 703 yards and 528 net yards. His longest punt of the season was 46 yards and his average was 33.48 yards.

Martin is also a starting defensive back for the Indians. “My expectations for myself this year is to keep pushing my team through hard times during games and I would like to improve on my defense and interceptions,” Martin said. “I also would like to have a successful year with our team.”

Outside of football and track, Martin participates in the SAFE SADD program.

Next year, Martin plans on going to college to study business. Eventually he wants to take over his family’s business, which is heavy equipment operation and construction.