By ANDREW GOODMAN
Herald Sports Writer
In the history of Sussex County sports, no high school athlete has accomplished as much as Joe Martinek.
The Hopatcong senior displayed his dynamic talents almost every time he touched the football. The end result was 7,589 rushing yards — more than any back in New Jersey history, and 26th in the history of high school football nationwide. Martinek destroyed the state's previous mark of 6,720, which was set by Keyport's Kenny Cattouse.
As a freshman, Martinek ran for over 1,000 yards on a Hopatcong team that won one game. But former Hopatcong coach Paul Reduzzi knew Martinek's potential, which is why he stuck with him despite the abuse they took from the fans.
In his sophomore year, Martinek ran for more yardage and the Chiefs reached the .500 mark. With Martinek's continued progression and the players Hopatcong had coming back, the next season was expected to be a special one.
And it was. The 2005 season was Martinek's best individually and as a team. He ran for 2,508 yards and 28 touchdowns, leading the Chiefs to a share of their first-ever SCIL title and the North I, Group II state title. Martinek was also named to the first team all-state by The Associated Press.
So with well over 5,000 yards entering this season, the countdown was on. It was only a matter of time before Martinek broke New Jersey's rushing record.
On Oct. 13, the old record finally fell. Martinek had a 28-yard run against Kittatinny that put him atop the list.
Martinek's achievement as the state's all-time leading rusher is even more impressive when looking at the history of the position in New Jersey, which includes Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris.
Martinek added to his record-setting total as the season progressed and finished the year with 2,081 yards. Martinek didn't have his best game when Hopatcong lost in the North I, Group II semifinals to Pascack Valley, but that doesn't take anything away from his career on the gridiron.
Martinek has won so many awards it's hard to keep track of all of them. He was The New Jersey Herald's Offensive Player of the Year. He was selected to the first team all-state by The Associated Press Again. Martinek was also named the Gatorade New Jersey Football Player of the Year.
The borough of Hopatcong even dedicated a day to Martinek for a simple reason — it's not often, if ever, that a football player from Sussex County gets this much statewide recognition.
Martinek also is a standout track and field performer. He finished first or second in four events at last year's sectional meet and was second in the state in the javelin.
And during the winter, Martinek is playing basketball for the first time in three years.
With all of his accomplishments and ability, Martinek handles it all the same way — with class and humility. It would be easy for an athlete that's done what he has to be cocky, but that's not his way.
It could take years for Sussex County to have another football player with this kind of talent. This is a once-in-a-generation player and it's possible that the county may never see a player like this again. Lenape Valley coach Don Smolyn, who's coached the Patriots for more than 30 years, has repeatedly said Martinek is one of the most unique Sussex County players he's ever seen.
But luckily for Sussex County fans, Martinek won't be too far away next year. Martinek will play football at Rutgers, though it's unclear what position he'll play. He'll also be a member of the track and field team at Rutgers.
No matter what Martinek goes on to achieve in his career, no one will ever forget his historic career in Sussex County.