William Martin

WILLIAM MARTIN

COACH

WRESTLING, FOOTBALL, BASEBALL

A graduate of SUNY Cortland, Coach William “Billy” Martin arrived at North Rockland in 1984. As a young Physical Education teacher, he wanted to make an impact in the lives of his students. Almost immediately, he began a life in coaching, and for over 30 years was credited with inspiring the lives of countless North Rockland athletes.

Martin specialized in developing the student-athletes at the lower levels. He coached football for nearly 30 years and wrestling for over 20 years at Farley Middle School. He presided over numerous undefeated teams. For a short period, he also coached baseball.

For nearly 10 years in the early 2000’s, Martin coached in the High School’s wrestling program. For five years, he was the JV and assistant varsity coach. He then became the Head Coach of the varsity team – a position he held for five more years. While at the helm of the varsity, he led the Red Raiders to three Rockland County titles, with three appearances in the Section I Finals. He won three League 1-B team titles and the 2003-04 team finished undefeated. Martin produced numerous All-County and All-Section wresters. He also coached CJ Rodriguez to the 2005 New York State Championship.

Coach Martin was once named the Section I Coach-of-the-Year, and three times named the Rockland County Coach-of-the-Year. Having been a wrestler himself at SUNY Cortland in the early 1980’s, he was inducted into the Section I Wrestling Hall of Fame. Upon his retirement from teaching and coaching, Martin said, “I am extremely proud to be part of the great North Rockland School District and amazing community.” He added, “There is no place that compares to it!”

Living in Westchester, Martin keeps in touch with his fellow coaches. He checks in on “all-things North Rockland” as much as he can. He volunteers at a Westchester-based hospital, and claims to be just as busy in retirement as he was when he was teaching and coaching.

Nowadays, Martin and his wife Cheryl enjoy watching their grandchildren. Their daughter Samantha (and husband Dan), and son Dan (and wife Liz) have a total of four children.