Paul Martin

2009 Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee

Certain names in wrestling history are instantly recognizable. A few family names synonymous with wrestling in Iowa wrestling include Nichols, Gibbons and Kerber.

The name of Martin is one of those family names steeped in rich wrestling history.

Paul Martin is the third Martin member, originally from Algona, to be inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame. Paul Martin continued the family’s rich wrestling heritage as both a competitor and coach.

Martin wrestled for Algona High School from 1970 to 1973 where he was a state champion at 132 pounds, 138 pounds and 155 pounds. Showing his dominance at the time, Martin compiled a 90-0 record during his final three years as an Algona Bulldog. He was coached by Dale Bahr and assisted by his father Leon “Champ” Martin his senior year. Leon was inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1976.

Martin attended Oklahoma State University from 1974-1978 and was a four-year starter for the Cowboys. Martin was a three-time Big Eight Champion and a three-time NCAA All-American finishing third at 150 pounds as a freshman, third at 150 pounds as a junior and runner-up at 167 pounds as a senior. Martin was coached by the late Tommy Chesbro and assisted by his brother Dave.

Martin became a full-time assistant coach at Oklahoma State University in 1979 and coached with Coach Chesbro until 1983. The Cowboys were NCAA Runners-up in 1980 and 1983. Martin and Coach Chesbro started and conducted Cowboy Wrestling camps for ten years.

In the fall of 1984 Martin began Law School at The University of Oklahoma and graduated from OU School of Law in 1987.

Martin spent one-year practicing law in Stillwater before moving to Ponca City. Oklahoma where he has practiced law for the last twenty-one years.

Paul Martin was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009 along with his brother Dave, Pete Bush and Eric Voelker.

Paul Martin Gallery Photos
Paul Martin Featured Photo
High School
Algona

CoachDale Bahr, Champ Martin

Record90-0

  • 90-0 final three years in high school
  • 1971 132 pound State Champion
  • 1972 138 pound State Champion
  • 1973 155 pound State Champion
College
Oklahoma State University

CoachTommy Chesbro, Dave Martin

  • Three-time Big Eight Champion
  • 1974 150 pound 3rd NCAA
  • 1976 150 pound 3rd NCAA
  • 1977 160 pound Runner-up NCAA

Coaching

College:

  • Oklahoma State University