Cuyahoga Heights High School (CHHS) long-standing football head coach Al Martin is a recipient of the Golden Deeds Award by the Greater Cleveland Football Coaches Association (GCFCA). Martin was honored at the GCFCA’s annual banquet held on Monday, April 13 at the Holiday Inn Cleveland South in Independence.
The Golden Deeds Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to Northeast Ohio high school football. Recipients often include dedicated coaches, supporters, and individuals who have significantly impacted the local football community. In addition to Martin, CHHS coaches who have won Golden Deeds awards in the past include Dan D’Orazio, Bill Jacobs, and Bill Attewell.
This coming fall, Martin will begin his 30th year as football’s head coach. He started as an assistant coach (1994 and 1995). Under his leadership, CHHS made state championship appearances in 2016 and 2017. He was named 2024-2025 Build the Bridge Coach of the Year by the Build the Bridge Foundation for his work in unifying teams across different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. He was also named cleveland.com’s 2016 Coach of the Year in recognition of CHHS’s first state finals run, and 2000 Division VI Coach of the Year. His career record is 269-75.
In addition to coaching football, Martin is also girls’ head basketball coach. Under his leadership, the girls' teams accumulated approximately 300 wins over his nearly three decades at the helm. When not on the field or the court, Martin teaches Algebra I and II at CHHS.
“Our football program has been successful for three reasons,” said Martin. “Our community supports football and other extracurricular activities. We've been fortunate to have a lot of very talented, tough, and coachable players. And, our coaches have been very dedicated to the success of our student-athletes on and off the field.”
“Throughout his tenure, Coach Martin has been an outstanding representative of CHHS, the school district, and the entire community,” said Director of Athletics/Student Activities Paul Gerycz. “Beyond building a highly successful football program, he has made a lasting impact by fostering meaningful, lifelong relationships with his student-athletes and coaching staff. His dedication and leadership have earned him deep respect within the football coaching community.”
Martin and his wife, Kathy, who serves as the school district's assistant treasurer, are the parents of Jordan, Taylor, and Alexis, all CHHS graduates. His son, Jordan, was recently inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame this past January for his football prowess at CHHS.
Picture#1: Joining Martin in celebrating his award are (front row left to right): Ken Safranek (CHHS graduate, player, and former football defensive coordinator), John Shafer (CHHS art teacher and assistant coach); and Doug Amari (CHHS graduate, former CHHS teacher and former football coach). Back row left to right: Anthony Rinella (CHHS assistant football coach), Nate Bryk (CHHS graduate, player, current middle school teacher, and head middle school football coach), Martin, Bob Mantell (CHHS graduate and volunteer scout); Kathy Martin, Dennis Kushlak (former CHHS teacher and football coach); Lenny Chylik (team videographer), Danielle Connors (CHHS Booster Club officer); Dan D'Orazio (former CHHS teacher, coach, and volunteer), and Alice Tyna (CHHS Booster Club officer).
Picture #2: Coach Martin with his award.
