Ponaganset High School Athletic Hall of Fame
Induction Class of 2018
Eric Martell
Athlete
Class of 2003
Football, Wrestling
A bruiser both on the gridiron and the wrestling mat, Eric Martell compiled a tremendous resume while at Ponganaset High school. Eric served as a vital part of a Chieftain Football squad that saw a move from Division 4 to division 3 during his sophomore year. Despite the jump up, Ponaganset thrived and would go on to make the playoffs each of the next two years. Playing alongside fellow Ponagnset HOF Neil Tracey, the Chieftains stingy defense had an incredible streak of 5 straight shut outs. In that time Martell earned 2nd team all division in his sophomore, 2nd team All-state linebacker during his junior year campaign and served as the team’s captain in his senior year.
A four year letterman wrestler, Martell enjoyed success early on, finishing 2nd place in freshman states. Over the next three years his accolades only began to improve, finishing 5th place in the state finals his sophomore year, and earning 3rd team All-State his junior year. By the time senior year rolled around, Martell was primed to let his presence be known. The Chieftains top wrestler and Captain that year, Martell compiled an impressive 42-1 record, highlighted by his 5-3 victory in the 189-pound state title match. He also finished first at the All-star and Chad Anoch Wrestling tournaments, the Cranston West Invitational and the Class B meet. He also set the records for fastest pin (8 seconds) and most power points in a season (557). Eric capped off his senior by winning the Brian Fell Scholarship, which is awarded to the top male and female athletes in the senior class