Todd Martinek’s wrestling career is a testament to dedication, leadership, and unparalleled success—both on the mat and in coaching. From his early days as a high school state champion to his induction as a Hall of Fame coach, Martinek’s impact on Maryland wrestling is both profound and enduring.

Martinek’s journey began at Bel Air High School, where he took up wrestling as a ninth grader. He quickly made his mark, finishing third in the state in 1988 before capturing the state championship at 103 pounds in 1989. His passion for the sport only grew as he continued at Salisbury State University, competing at 118 pounds from 1989 to 1992. A standout leader, he served as team captain during the program’s final season before it was discontinued, concluding his collegiate career with a 35-25 record.

After graduating from SSU in 1993, Martinek embarked on a teaching career, which soon led him to coaching. In 1994, he took over as head wrestling coach at James M. Bennett High School in Salisbury, where he transformed the program over eight seasons (1994-2002), amassing a 73-38 record. In 2003, he transitioned to Stephen Decatur High School in Berlin, Md., where he joined the teaching staff and served as an assistant coach for both wrestling and football.

During his first five years at Decatur (2003-2008), Martinek helped propel the wrestling team to an astonishing 80-4 record, including a state championship in 2008. That same year, he co-founded the prestigious War on the Shore wrestling tournament alongside then-head coach Kevin Gilligan—an event that would become a hallmark of Mid-Atlantic wrestling. After a brief stint as a wrestling official (2009-2010), Martinek returned to Decatur as head coach in 2011, where he truly cemented his legacy.

From 2012 to 2022, under Martinek’s leadership, the Decatur Seahawks wrestling program thrived. His intensity, ability to recruit, and skill in developing champions were on full display as he guided the team to a remarkable 199-32 record. During his tenure, the Seahawks captured four Bayside Conference titles and won three consecutive state championships from 2019 to 2022 (with no tournament held in 2021 due to COVID-19). In 2024, he concluded his coaching career as an assistant to new head coach Josh August.

Martinek retired from teaching and coaching after the 2024 season but remained active in the wrestling community, continuing to run the War on the Shore tournament and supporting the team whenever needed. Over his 30+ years in coaching, his teams compiled a staggering combined record of 376-75. His wrestlers achieved extraordinary success, including 15 individual state champions, 87 state placewinners, and more than 20 wrestlers who reached 100 career wins.

Under his guidance, Martinek's teams secured 16 conference titles, 10 regional titles, and five state championships. A three-time Coach of the Year recipient, Martinek also holds the rare distinction of being one of only three individuals in Maryland to win, coach, and officiate a state championship. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a well-earned recognition of a lifetime dedicated to excellence, passion, and success in Maryland wrestling.