Stephen A. Martin Historical Archive
This archive brings together historical coverage and firsthand testimonials that document the athletic accomplishments, public recognition, and enduring legacy of Stephen A. Martin. Together, these articles and audio reflections provide an important record of how his excellence, character, and impact were recognized both during his era and by those who knew him personally.
Listen to featured testimonials
Reflection from legendary Coach Eddie Flint, who coached Stephen during St. Aug’s storied football era. His words help illuminate Stephen’s character, leadership, and enduring athletic legacy.
Reflection from legendary Coach Otis Washington, who coached and brought Stephen onto his football staff as wide receivers coach. His comments speak to Stephen’s leadership, character, and enduring legacy in the lives of those he influenced.
In this personal family testimonial, Robert B. Morrison, Jr., Stephen’s nephew, recalls seeing him compete in track when he was just nine years old. His eyewitness reflection offers a vivid childhood memory of Stephen’s athletic ability, presence, and determination, adding a deeply personal perspective to the broader story of his legacy and significance.
Wayne Neveu ’68, a fellow alum and close friend, recalls witnessing Stephen compete on the football field. As a team statistician and someone closely connected to St. Aug athletics, Wayne observed Stephen’s athletic excellence, competitive spirit, and steady presence during one of the most celebrated eras in the school’s football history.
Wayne Neveu ’68, a fellow alum and close friend, recalls Stephen’s impact on the baseball field as both a fellow Purple Knight and eyewitness to his athletic ability. As a sports editor and observer of St. Aug athletics, Wayne offers a firsthand perspective on Stephen’s versatility, discipline, and competitive excellence across sports, further underscoring the legacy he built beyond football.
The 60-Yard Dash Challenge
When Stephen returned to St. Aug as a math teacher and wide receivers coach, his athletic legacy was already well known among the student body. Because of that reputation, Stephen often found himself challenged by the new “bucks” on A.P. Tureaud Avenue.
One memorable challenge involved an All-State track selection, Richard “Deanie” Solomon ’69, to see who was really the faster runner at St. Aug.
In this bragging-rights 60-yard dash, who won?
The winner of the 60-yard dash was Stephen Martin.
The fun twist is that Stephen knew Richard likely had the edge in a full 100-yard dash. So, in Stephen’s quiet, methodical way, he took advantage of youthful confidence that focused more on winning the race than questioning the distance. Stephen would often add that the fastest runner in the Martin family was actually his older sister, Carole M. Walker, a track star at Xavier Prep, Class of 1958.
The Nickname Challenge
Alvin J. Martin, Sr., Stephen’s older brother, was famously known in New Orleans football lore as “The Snake” while playing at Xavier Prep and Xavier University of New Orleans. Stephen also carried a memorable football nickname of his own.
What was Stephen’s football nickname?
Stephen was known on the football field as “The Squirrel” because of the way he returned punts. The nickname perfectly captured his quickness, elusiveness, and ability to dart through traffic with remarkable instinct and agility. It was the kind of memorable football moniker that stayed with him and added to the legend of his playmaking style at St. Aug.
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.