Spearfish, S.D. — After nearly three decades of dedication to student-athletes, longtime Spearfish coach and educator Joel Martin has announced his retirement from coaching, leaving behind a legacy defined by success, mentorship, and a deep commitment to Spartan athletics.
Martin began his coaching career in 1995 in Valley City, North Dakota, where he assisted with both the football and wrestling programs. Two years later, in 1997, he joined the Spearfish School District as a teacher and coach, beginning what would become a remarkable career serving Spartan student-athletes.
At Spearfish, Martin took on the role of head middle school wrestling coach while also serving as an assistant varsity wrestling coach. Over the next 25 years, he led the middle school program and played a pivotal role in developing the foundation of the Spartans’ wrestling tradition. His work at the middle school level helped prepare generations of athletes for success at the high school level and beyond.
In 2022, Martin stepped into a historic role as the first head varsity girls wrestling coach at Spearfish High School. He guided the program through its first season as a sanctioned sport at the school, helping establish the foundation for the future of girls wrestling in the Spartan program.
Throughout his time coaching wrestling at Spearfish, Martin helped develop 77 state place winners and 15 individual state champions. Spartan wrestling teams also earned seven top team finishes at the South Dakota State Wrestling Tournament during his tenure.
Martin’s coaching impact extended beyond the wrestling mat. He served as an assistant football coach for the Spartans for 18 years, including being part of the coaching staff for Spearfish’s 2003 Class AA State Championship football team.
Among his many coaching memories, one moment stands above the rest. Martin credits helping coach Spearfish’s first two state champions at the inaugural South Dakota State Girls Wrestling Tournament in 2021 as the highlight of his career. The milestone represented a historic moment both for the Spearfish program and for the continued growth of girls wrestling across the state.
Reflecting on his career, Martin expressed gratitude for the support he received from his family throughout the years.
“I would like to thank my wife Tammi and my son Duncan for all of their understanding and support through the years,” Martin said. “I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Through decades of dedication to Spearfish athletics, Martin helped shape not only successful athletes but also confident, hardworking young people. His influence will continue to be felt throughout the Spearfish community and Spartan athletics for years to come.
The Spearfish Activities Department thanked Martin for his years of service and commitment to Spartan activities. While he is stepping away from coaching, Martin will continue serving the district as an elementary physical education teacher.