RUBEN MARTINEZ

Pasadena HS • Class of 1996

Sponsored by John Eddie Williams

Ruben Martinez's journey into football began in the seventh grade at Queens Intermediate, where he donned his first football uniform. As a Pasadena sophomore, he commenced his varsity career, earning three coveted varsity football letters. Driven by a fervent belief in his potential to emerge as an elite back, Martinez committed himself to an intense summer regimen of jump rope exercises, tractor tire drags, and rigorous sprint conditioning. His dedication bore fruit as he bulked up to a solid 185 pounds, a perfect complement to his 5-foot-10 frame, and showcased impressive strength with a bench press of 550 pounds.

In 1995, as a junior, Martinez's rushing prowess soared, securing him the fourth spot statewide in Class 5A. Despite relentless targeting by opponents during his senior year in 1996, he still managed to clinch the 10th spot statewide in 5A rushing. Martinez's stellar performances earned him the title of the district's most valuable player in both seasons. Following his breakout junior year, he emerged as a finalist for the prestigious All-Greater Houston Offensive Player of the Year accolade. Notably, he led the Eagles to the playoffs in both seasons, marking the only two playoff appearances for any Pasadena High team in the past 53 years.

Over his three varsity seasons at Pasadena, Martinez amassed an impressive total of over 4,000 rushing yards, including standout seasons with 1,779 yards as a junior and 1,897 yards as a senior, accompanied by an astonishing 34 touchdowns.

Martinez's athletic prowess extended beyond the football field; he was also a standout baseball player, earning first-team all-district honors as a pitcher and shortstop in his senior year and second-team all-district recognition as a junior.

Despite his athletic achievements, Martinez excelled academically, earning membership in the National Honor Society and graduating in the top six percent of his class with a remarkable 4.2 grade-point average.

Upon concluding his high school tenure, Martinez pursued his passion for baseball, joining Wharton Junior College's team as a shortstop and outfield for two seasons. Subsequently, he ventured abroad to Spain, signing on with Viladecans, a baseball team located outside Barcelona. Under Martinez's leadership in the outfield, Viladecans secured a spot in the prestigious Copa del Rey post-season championships, finishing third overall. Martinez eventually returned to Texas, concluding his baseball career and hanging up his cleats.

Ruben Martinez's legacy endures as the most celebrated Pasadena High football player in decades, arguably standing as the pinnacle Eagles football player of the past half-century.