For some athletes, sports simply supply the catalyst to reveal true strength of character. Senior Roman Martell, a three sport athlete currently competing in his winter sport of wrestling, has become a true leader by example. Part of this is due to the work he put in during the offseason.

“Athletically, I’ve taken huge steps from year to year,” Martell said. “Most of my growth comes from training in the offseason. I would go to camps, club practices, and I’d lift five or more times a week.”

Through the end of his junior year as well as the offseason, Martell has also learned what it means to lead.

“I became a better leader during my junior year because I realized that the underclassmen need someone to look up to and count on. I take into consideration that a few years ago, I was a clueless freshman and the upperclassmen helped me through my first year or two in high school,” he said. “I want to be like the juniors and seniors that were able to help me.”

The realization that he wouldn’t be where he is without the help of those before him awakened his own need to help the next generation. His fellow teammates also recognize the senior’s evolution.

“I think he has grown more as a wrestler and a person, and I think leadership just came with that,” senior Ben Buehring said. “I also think knowing that he's wrestling with his little brother; he's more like a role model figure.”

Fellow wrestlers have also noticed his growth.

“He's become more of a leader by taking more command though leading warmups,” freshman Jaiden Fronczak said.

Martell also sees this as an opportunity to help his team reach its goals.

“Being a team captain has helped me learn to hold myself and my teammates accountable. One of our team goals this year is to make it to team state and all of our wrestlers need to hold up their end of the deal in order to achieve this goal,” he said. “I am fully committed to the goal and as a captain, I want to make sure that all of my teammates are invested.”

Martell is willing to do everything possible to push and encourage everyone to meet this goal. His efforts have not gone unnoticed by teammates.

“He doesn't lack confidence or second guess himself. He’s good and knows what he's doing and can back it up with his talent” Fronczak said.

Martell didn’t get here without facing adversity.

“I think one of the biggest things that he is still working on to get over is seeing things pan out in his head and knowing what he is truly capable of. He believes that he is capable of it but seeing that end result isn’t 100 percent there so he's still working on that,” Head Coach Matthew Cuadra said. “I think at the double duals two weeks ago was a great example of him finally turning that leaf and beating someone that beat him early this year.”

The captain’s growth in this area has helped him work towards his many season goals.

“My first goal is to tie or break my older brother’s pin record of 22 pins in a season,” Martell said. “My second goal is to pass Coach Cuadra for career wins. My third goal is to win an individual state championship.”

His many extensive goals push him to work harder in order to reach every marker he has set. However, with such an impressive list, his willingness to push himself a little harder every day impacts his teammates.

“He knows how to work you, and if you're not working hard enough, he’ll push you but he also doesn't beat up on you,” Fronczack said.

He isn’t the only teammate who feels this way.

“Even when he's beating up on you he still helps you and coaches you,” Buehring said.

Martell is also grateful for his mat brothers as they constantly help him reach his goals.

“My teammates throughout the years have been good practice partners and no matter who it is, we’re always pushing each other to get better,” he said. “I know that no matter the outcome, my teammates will always have my back and support me in any way that they can.”

This type of support has come at the most opportune moments.

“At sectionals in 2020 at Oshkosh North, I had just come off a loss in the finals and I needed to win my wrestle-back in order to qualify for state,” Martell said. “Before going on the mat to wrestle, I noticed the crowd of Oshkosh West students, parents, and wrestlers in the stands rooting for me. It was an assuring feeling knowing that I had such a great network cheering me on. I ended up winning the match and qualified for state as a sophomore. I celebrated with my coaches, family, and friends and I will never forget that day.”

Through the support of teammates, friends, and family, Martell has grown in a way that his coach appreciates.

“Roman has grown as an athlete and a leader - as an athlete he's taken on more of a go to role of being counted on in different scenarios and that ties into being a leader,” Cuadra said. “He’s accepted and wanted that pressure, and I think it comes down to the Hortonville dual when they forfeited to him instead of wrestling him; he was really upset and that just shows that he cares about the whole team and knows we're counting on him at all times.”

One of the biggest supporters for Martell has been his family as he gets to compete alongside his brothers.

“It’s a very unique experience and not many people get to do it,” he said. “It’s fun beating up on [sophomore] Garth and then watching him go beat up on someone else. When I wrestled with Avery a few years ago, he was someone I looked up to because he’s my brother and a good leader. Now with Avery being a coach, it’s cool having him in my corner since he’s been such a big part of my wrestling career.”

This unique experience has helped him keep things fun, but Martell also knows when to lock it down.

“Roman helps in a lot of ways, not just getting bonus points but keeping the mood light and joking around, having that fun atmosphere that we found this year,” Cuadra said. “I keep telling the team we are a goofy team, but sometimes we got to hone it in and he knows when to flip that switch and keep the team accountable.”

His teammates also appreciate his fun side as it has helped create some of their favorite memories. For Buehring, this stems from the simple interactions within practice.

“Goofing around at practice having fun and him beating up on me every single day,” he said.

Fronczak also has shared bonding moments with Martell.

“In the hotel with him over Northern Exposure was fun with him talking about food and how good food was on food Tik Tok,” he said.

As all wrestlers experience weight cuts and getting down to what was really important has made for some good conversations and fun memories. At the end of the season, the one key take away his coach is most proud of is Martell’s leadership.

“One skill he can use going forward is leadership,” the coach said. “Knowing how to take younger kids underneath his wing and help them grow and show them how he came on to the scene. He was young and needed someone to show him the way and now being able to pass it on to other people is such a big thing.”

By Lily Fournier

Oshkosh West Index Volume 118 Issue 4

January 31st, 2022

Senior Spotlight: Martell winds down decorated career with final quest for State wrestling glory