Stephen A. Martin Athletic Legacy & Honors
From 1960 through 1964, Stephen A. Martin built one of the most distinguished student-athlete records in St. Augustine history. His achievements across football, basketball, baseball, and track, combined with his academic excellence, reflect a legacy of discipline, versatility, leadership, and distinction.
Athletic timeline
Stephen’s record at St. Aug reflects sustained excellence across multiple sports and over four years of varsity competition. The timeline below highlights the progression of his remarkable student-athlete career.
1960–1961 | Freshman Year
As a freshman, Stephen distinguished himself as a four-sport athlete in football, basketball, baseball, and track, while competing at the varsity level in football and beginning a remarkable four-year run as one of St. Augustine’s premier all-around student-athletes.
1961–1962 | Sophomore Year
As a sophomore, he again played football, basketball, baseball, and track. He was a member of the 1962 City and Downtown District Championship basketball team and also played on the 14–15-year-old 1962 NORD Summer Baseball championship team.
1962–1963 | Junior Year
During his junior year, Stephen continued competing in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He played on the 1963 City and District Championship and State Runners-Up basketball team, received the Benefactors’ Club Annual Award in 1962 for prep football’s outstanding player of the year.
1963–1964 | Senior Year
As a senior, he played varsity football and baseball and helped lead St. Augustine to the 1963 District and LIALO State Football Championship. He was regarded as the “unsung hero” in the Purple Knight backfield, was elected to the 1963 All-City Prep Football Team as safety, and earned All-State honors in 1963.
He was also named co-Best Scholar Athlete, played on the 1964 District Baseball Championship team, and was elected to the 1964 Downtown States-Item All-District Baseball Team.
By graduation, he had become one of only three students in school history at that time to earn the distinction of four-year letterman. He also received the St. Augustine Purple Knight Award and earned an academic scholarship to attend Tulane University.
Did You Know?
Stephen met his future wife, Brigid Cheri (St. Mary’s Academy Class of 1966), through his close friend and teammate, Reynold Deceau ’63. In a fitting St. Augustine connection, one of Stephen’s favorite teachers, Rev. Robert Pavlak, S.S.J., later officiated their wedding in 1969.
Did You Know?
Stephen carried the pride of Marrero, Louisiana, into St. Aug history. As the only Westbanker to start on the Purple Knights’ 1963 football championship team, he stood among a generation of Westbank athletes who helped define Louisiana’s rich sports tradition.
Signature honors and distinctions
Stephen’s record at St. Aug reflects uncommon athletic versatility, championship-level achievement, and academic distinction. These honors help define why his legacy remains so significant.
Honor the legacy. Support the campaign.
After reviewing the athletic record of Stephen A. Martin, we invite you to return to the tribute page, watch the video, support St. Augustine High School, and add your name to the growing list of campaign supporters.