UPDATE: Kevin Martin was named Defensive MVP for his West squad in the East-West 3A/4A Summer Football Classic on Friday after notching a tackle and interception. Martin also had five catches for 99 yards on offense, though the East kept the West out of the endzone to pick up the 19-0 win.
The East-West 3A/4A Summer Football Classic takes place on Friday, July 1 on the campus of Eastern Washington University and Newport’s Kevin Marin will be the only player from a Bellevue high school who is participating. Martin will continue his playing career and pursue his degree in the fall at University of Redlands. He spoke with the Bellevue Reporter about the Shrine Game, continuing his playing career and the one topic no Newport conversation is complete without: Isaac Dotson.
REPORTER: This game is obviously a nice way to wrap-up your career at Newport. Are you one of the guys who played in the junior football system also?
KEVIN MARTIN: Oh yeah, since I was like seven or eight years old I played for Newport every year and it was a blast going up through the ranks.
REPORTER: Speaking of the Junior Knights, I stopped by to talk with coach Miller at the youth football camp. Did you go when you were younger or help out in high school?
KM: For the past four years I helped at the camp. I’m not sure that they had it when I was younger but if they did I definitely would have attended.
REPORTER: Newport had a solid senior class in 2011, which you were obviously a part of. How much does it mean to represent the Knights and specifically your graduating class in the East-West game?
KM: I’m definitely honored by it and it means a lot to me to be representing my team over here. I know I couldn’t have done it without my teammates so it so it means a lot to represent Newport.
REPORTER: You’re the only guy from your school at the game, but there are some other local guys there. Have you caught up with them or any other players you have played against?
KM: I’ve met with Evan Petersen (Issaquah) and Michael Ford (Skyline) and Trey Wheeler (Liberty) are here. There’s a guy from Kentlake too and I was giving him a little crap because we beat them pretty bad in the playoffs.
REPORTER: What are you going to miss most about high school?
KM: The lights, suiting up on Fridays and how Newport just comes together as a community that I’ve known and been apart of for the past 10 or 11 years.
REPORTER: Anything you will not miss?
KM: Honestly, there’s not too much. The only thing maybe is how we didn’t throw the ball that much and the college I’m going to throws more so I’m excited to catch more balls.
REPORTER: What made you choose Redlands?
KM: It’s a nice mix-up [from Washington]. I was down there in February and I really liked it. It’s a good football program and of course the weather is nice. The school has good academics too and so it’s a good balance between everything I was looking for.
REPORTER: Your Newport career is finished, but the team you leave behind has an outstanding athlete and quarterback returning in Isaac Dotson. By all accounts, he’s a great guy and obviously a talented football player. What is like as a teammate and friend?
KM: That kid is the nicest kid in the world. Me and him are pretty cool, I gave him rides to practice everyday. I guess that’s one thing I won’t miss.
