Wrestling matches last just six minutes… there are just three two-minute periods that take every bit of focus, technique and strength a wrestler can muster.  It’s a grueling sport that takes years of practice, defeats and dedication to master.

     That dedication to wrestling has prepared Dylan Martinez for the next nine years of his life.  Martinez has just committed to wrestling at Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.  That commitment is more than just a four year commitment for college.  With the four years of tuition free college, come five years of commitment to his country serving in the United States Air Force.

    “I have always cared about my education and I’ve worked hard at wrestling and wanted to wrestle in a Division One program.  Committing to Air Force has also given me an opportunity to serve my country.” Martinez said, Sunday night.

     Martinez  is a dedicated student who carries a 4.0 GPA and has always had a challenging academic schedule in addition to wrestling. His commitment to the classroom and wrestling elevated him to the status of a “blue chip” recruit.  He’ll pursue a degree in engineering before he begins his service to the Air Force.

     Martinez, who is aiming to wrestle at around 145 lbs this season has been flying around the country looking at colleges.  He’s been to Oregon State and the University of Northern Colorado and Air Force in the last month or so. In college, he expects to wrestle somewhere near that weight.

    “I’m glad that I am done with the whole process.  I have no doubt in in my mind about my decision athletically, academically or in the service to my country,” Martinez, said.

    As a freshman, Martinez placed 4th at the Colorado State Wresting Championships  and climbed the ladder his sophomore year to take third.  Last year, he wrestled in the finals and took 2nd.  The loss burns in Martinez who wrestles all year long.

  “I think about that loss everyday.  I use it as motivation to train harder than I ever have.My biggest challenge this year will be winning an individual title and as a team.”

   That motivation to train harder than ever has gotten Martinez to the finals at the state championship and has now prepared him for a first-class education and the opportunity to serve his country.  The Air Force motto, “Aim High  Fly-Fight-Win” is already ingrained in this Tiger.