John Martin (2008) - Hall of Fame

John Martin

Induction:
2008

Cedar Falls native and Northern University High School graduate John Martin didn’t have to travel far to find success in college athletics. Martin’s strong family ties to the Cedar Valley led him to pursue his collegiate basketball career at the University of Northern Iowa.

As a two-sport athlete for UNI in basketball and track, Martin left his mark on the UNI record books. Under legendary coach Norm Stewart, Martin completed his career in the Purple and Gold as one of the top scorers in UNI basketball history, racking up 1,027 points from 1967-70. Martin remains on the UNI all-time leading scorers list, as his 1,027 points put him in 27th place.

In his senior campaign, Martin averaged a double-double, scoring 19.0 points and pulling down 10.1 rebounds per game. Martin’s force in the paint was rewarded his senior season, as he earned All-North Central Conference honors.

The exceptional athlete that he was, Martin also spent two seasons with the Panther track and field team.

Following his years as a student-athlete at UNI, Martin immediately put his bachelor’s degree in marketing to use by joining the family company, Martin Brothers Distributing.

Located in Cedar Falls, Martin Brothers Distributing is a food service distributor covering a large portion of the upper Midwest. Founded in 1940, Martin Brothers is still an independent, family-owned distributor. Martin serves as company CEO along with being the chairman of the IFDA Board of Directors, ID Advisory Board and IFDA Executive Committee.

Although Martin entered the business world, he still kept a part of basketball with him, serving as an assistant coach at Cedar Falls High School for 17 years.