Isaiah Martinez

Last updated

Isaiah Martinez
Personal information
Full nameIsaiah Alexander Martinez
NicknameImar
Born (1994-09-02) September 2, 1994 (age 31)
Lemoore, California, U.S.
Height5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
Weight74 kg (163 lb)
Sport
CountryUnited States
Sport Wrestling
Event(s) Freestyle and Folkstyle
College team Fighting Illini
ClubThe Dam RTC
Coached by Jim Heffernan
Medal record
Men's freestyle wrestling
Representing the Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
World Cup
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2018 Iowa City Team
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 2019 Yakutsk Team
US National Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg2018 Las Vegas74 kg
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg2019 Las Vegas74 kg
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg2021 Coralville79 kg
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing the Illinois Fighting Illini
NCAA Division I Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2015 St. Louis 157 lb
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2016 New York 157 lb
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2017 St. Louis 165 lb
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2018 Cleveland 165 lb
Big Ten Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg2015 Columbus157 lb
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg2016 Iowa City157 lb
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg2017 Bloomington165 lb
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg2018 East Lansing165 lb

Isaiah Alexander Martinez (born September 2, 1994) is an American freestyle wrestler and graduated folkstyle wrestler who competes at 79 kilograms. In freestyle, Martinez is a two-time US Open National champion (three-time finalist) and was the 2017 US U23 World Team Member. As a folkstyle wrestler, he was a two-time NCAA Division I National champion (four-time finalist) and a four-time Big Ten Conference champion.

Contents

Folkstyle

High school

Martinez was born and raised in Lemoore, California. He started wrestling at a young age and became a three-time CIF champion [1] and four-time placer with a 205–7 record as a high schooler at Lemoore High School. [2] [3]

University

Martinez attended the University of Illinois to wrestle as a collegiate athlete.

2013–2014

Redshirt; Compiled a 13–2 record during the season (7–0 at open tournaments) and placed fourth at Midlands. [4]

2014–2015

Freshman ; Midlands and Roadrunner Open undefeated champion during regular season. [5] [6] Won the Big Ten Conference and the NCAA championship with notable wins over Dylan Ness, James Green, Nick Brascetta and Brian Realbuto, being the first one to win the championship as an undefeated freshman since Cael Sanderson (99'). [7] [8]

2015–2016

Sophomore ; Posted a 17–1 record at duals with lone loss to future three-time NCAA champion Jason Nolf [9] [10] and became the Reno TOC champion during regular season. [11] Won the Big Ten Conference title while avenging his regular season's loss to Jason Nolf. [12] At the NCAA's, he defeated #3 ranked Ian Miller and top-ranked Jason Nolf for the second time to claim the championship. [13]

2016–2017

Junior; Bumped up a weight class and competed at 165 pounds. He became the UNI Open & Midlands champion and compiled an 11–0 record at duals, ending regular season unbeaten. [14] [15] [16] Became a three-time Big Ten Conference champion and entered as the top-seeded wrestler at the NCAA championships. [17] At the tournament, he made his way to the finale in where he faced Vincenzo Joseph, whom he was 2-0 prior to the match. He lost by fall and claimed runner-up honors. [18]

2017–2018

Senior; Compiled a record of 11–0 at dual matches in regular season. Became the sixteenth wrestler to ever win four Big Ten Conference championships when he beat Vincenzo Joseph at the finale of the tournament, also entering as the top-ranked seed at the NCAA championships. [19] He defeated four opponents on his way to the finale, in which he faced Vincenzo Joseph for the fifth time in their collegiate career and lost for the second time, claiming once again runner-up honors. [20]

Overall, Martinez is a two-time NCAA champion, four-time NCAA finalist, and four-time Big Ten Conference champion, which makes him the most accomplished Fighting Illini in the history of the wrestling team. [21]

Freestyle

Junior

As a youth level wrestler, Martinez was a Junior National runner-up and Junior Fargo National champion in both, freestyle and Greco-Roman.

U23 and Senior level

2016

Martinez made his senior freestyle debut at the University National Championships. He defeated all of his opponents by technical fall until the best of three, where he won on points and then by technical fall to win the championship. [22]

2017

A year later, he competed at the Last Chance Qualifier for the World Team Trials. He defeated three opponents, outscoring them 34-1 and qualifying for the World Team Trials Challenge tournament. [23] There, he passed the quarterfinals with a technical fall win but subsequently lost to four-time NCAA champion Kyle Dake on points and faced three-time NCAA champion Alex Dieringer at the true second match. He also lost the bout by points, placing third at the World Team Trials Challenge. [24]

After failing to make the World Team, Martinez, who was 23 years old at the time, competed at the U23 World Team Trials. He defeated his opponent on points twice and earned his shot at the U23 World Championships. [25]

At the U23 World Championships, he was defeated in the first round by the eventual winner of the championship Gadzhi Nabiev and was thrown to the consolation bracket. There, he defeated two opponents by technical fall and performed at the bronze medal match, where he was defeated by technical fall himself, placing fifth. [26]

2018

In his first freestyle competition of the year, Martinez attended the US Open. He defeated his first opponent by fall and the other four by technical fall, without getting scored once through the tournament and winning the championship. [27]

After winning the US Open, Martinez automatically advanced to the best-of-three finals of the World Team Trials Challenge. He defeated three-time NCAA Division III champion Nazar Kulchytskyy twice by technical fall and advanced to Final X. [28] At Final X: Lincoln, he faced Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Champion Jordan Burroughs in a best-of-three. He lost the first match by points and the second by technical fall. [29]

He then competed in his first non-world championship international tournament at the senior level, the Medved Prizes. He defeated two opponents to advance to the semifinals but was beaten on points. At the bronze medal match, he defeated his opponent 11 points to 2, claiming the bronze medal. [30]

2019

To start the year, Martinez competed at the prestigious Golden Grand Prix Ivan Yarygin. He was eliminated in the first round in a close 10–11 loss. [31]

In March, Martinez competed at the World Cup along with the US team. He competed in four matches and defeated all of his opponents (two by technical fall), winning the crown at the 74 kilograms division, even though Team USA placed third as a team. [32]

Next, he competed at the US Open. He won his second straight title at the event by defeating all four of his opponents. [33]

By winning the US Open title, Martinez was automatically set to compete at the finals of the World Team Trials Challenge. The man who won the bracket until the finals was his former collegiate rival Jason Nolf, whom he had to face in a best-of-three. He won the first match by points but subsequently lost by the same method, leading to a third and final match. Despite the earlier bouts being fairly close, he defeated Nolf by technical fall, qualifying for Final X. [34]

A month later, he competed at Final X: Lincoln against Olympic Gold medalist and four-time World Champion Jordan Burroughs in a best-of-three, just like last year (18'). As a big underdog, he lost the first match in a close 4-5 but came back with an upset in the second match, beating Burroughs by criteria with 5 points to 5. At the third and final match, Martinez couldn't hold up and lost the match on points (1-7). [35] This gained him recognition as a top prospect, as he was expected to lose two matches in a row against the 19' World Team Member. [36]

After his failed attempt of making it to the World Championships, he competed at the Continental Cup. He defeated three opponents to make the finals, where he lost by technical fall and earned runner-up honors. [37]

In his last competition of the year, he attended the Bill Farrell Memorial. He opened up with a fall and a technical fall and won his next two bouts on points to make it to the finals. At the finale, he faced collegiate and now international rival Jason Nolf, whom he defeated by technical fall. [38]

2020–2021

Martinez was scheduled to compete at the US Olympic Team Trials on April 4, 2020, at State College, Pennsylvania. [39] However, the event was postponed for 2021 along with the Summer Olympics due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving all the qualifiers unable to compete. [40]

After a year and a half of no competition, Martinez was expected to compete at the rescheduled US Olympic Trials in April 2–3, 2021, as the number one seed (aside from Jordan Burroughs and Kyle Dake, both sitting out), but was forced to pull out due to an injury. [41]

Martinez came back to competition from May 1 to 2 at the US Open National Championships as the number one seed, while also moving up to 79 kilograms. [42] After four victories to reach the finals, Martinez was forced to forfeit, claiming runner–up honors. [43]

Freestyle record

Senior & U23 Freestyle Matches
Res.RecordOpponentScoreDateEventLocation
2021 US World Team Trials DNP at 79 kg
Flag of the United States.svg Carter StarocciFFSeptember 11–12, 2021 2021 US World Team Trials Flag of the United States.svg Lincoln, Nebraska
Loss50–13 Flag of the United States.svg Alex Dieringer 1–6
Win50–12 Flag of the United States.svg Taylor Lujan10–7
Win49–12 Flag of the United States.svg Branson Ashworth11–10
2021 US Open Silver medal icon.svg at 79 kg
Win48–12 Flag of the United States.svg Devin SkatzkaFallMay 1, 20212021 US Open National Championships Flag of the United States.svg Coralville, Iowa
Win47–12 Flag of the United States.svg Travis Wittlake9–3
Win46–12 Flag of the United States.svg Hunter MullinTF 10–0
Win45–12 Flag of the United States.svg Shane GantzTF 12–0
2019 Bill Farrell Memorial Gold medal icon.svg at 74kg
Win44-12 Flag of the United States.svg Jason Nolf TF 12-0November 16, 20192019 Bill Farrell Memorial International Open

Flag of the United States.svg New York, New York

Win43-12 Flag of the United States.svg Thomas Gantt8-7
Win42-12 Flag of the United States.svg Nazar Kulchytskyy 12-5
Win41-12 Flag of the United States.svg Nick IncontreraTF 10-0
Win40-12 Flag of Mongolia.svg Gantulga ShijirFall
2019 Continental Cup Silver medal icon.svg at 79kg
Loss39-12 Flag of Russia.svg Atsamaz SanakoevTF 0-10October 14, 20192019 Intercontinental Wrestling Cup

Flag of Russia.svg Khasavyurt, Russia

Win39-11 Flag of Kazakhstan.svg Zhiger ZakirovTF 12-2
Win38-11 Flag of Russia.svg Adam Khasiev9-9
Win37-11 Flag of Uzbekistan.svg Davlat KhodjievTF 10-0
2019 US World Team Trials Silver medal icon.svg at 74kg
Loss36-11 Flag of the United States.svg Jordan Burroughs 1-7June 15, 2019 2019 Final X: Lincoln

Flag of the United States.svg Lincoln, Nebraska

Win36-10 Flag of the United States.svg Jordan Burroughs 5-5
Loss35-10 Flag of the United States.svg Jordan Burroughs 4-5
Win35-9 Flag of the United States.svg Jason Nolf TF 12-2May 19, 20192019 US World Team Trials Challenge

Flag of the United States.svg Raleigh, North Carolina

Loss34-9 Flag of the United States.svg Jason Nolf 5-7
Win34-8 Flag of the United States.svg Jason Nolf 9-4
2019 US Open Gold medal icon.svg at 74kg
Win33-8 Flag of the United States.svg Thomas Gantt6-4April 27, 20192019 US Open Wrestling Championships

Flag of the United States.svg Las Vegas, Nevada

Win32-8 Flag of the United States.svg Brian MurphyTF 13-0
Win31-8 Flag of the United States.svg Joey LavalleeTF 13-2
Win30-8 Flag of the United States.svg Dillon UlreyTF 10-0
2019 World Cup Gold medal icon.svg at 74kg
Win29-8 Flag of Japan.svg Yuto MiwaTF 10-0March 17, 2019 2019 Wrestling World Cup

Flag of Russia.svg Yakutsk, Russia

Win28-8 Flag of Mongolia.svg Bat-Erdene ByambadorjTF 11-0
Win27-8 Flag of Iran.svg Reza Afzali6-2
Win26-8 Flag of Georgia.svg Zurabi Erbotsonashvili10-6
2019 Golden Grand Prix Ivan Yarygin 10th at 74kg
Loss25-8 Flag of Belarus.svg Azamat Nurykau10-11January 24, 2019 2019 Ivan Yarygin Golden Grand Prix

Flag of Russia.svg Krasnoyarsk, Russia

2018 Medved International Bronze medal icon.svg at 74kg
Win25-7 Flag of Russia.svg Magoma Dibirgadzhiev11-2September 15, 20182018 Alexander Medved Prizes Ranking Series

Flag of Belarus.svg Minsk, Belarus

Loss24-7 Flag of Belarus.svg Azamat Nurykau5-8
Win24-6 Flag of Lithuania.svg Andrius Mazeika11-9
Win23-6 Flag of Ukraine.svg Ivan Kusyak8-0
2018 US World Team Trials Silver medal icon.svg at 74kg
Loss22-6 Flag of the United States.svg Jordan Burroughs TF 1-11June 9, 20182018 Final X: Lincoln

Flag of the United States.svg Lincoln, Nebraska

Loss22-5 Flag of the United States.svg Jordan Burroughs 1-4
Win22-4 Flag of the United States.svg Nazar Kulchytskyy TF 13-2May 20, 20182018 US World Team Trials Challenge

Flag of the United States.svg Rochester, Minnesota

Win21-4 Flag of the United States.svg Nazar Kulchytskyy TF 13-2
2018 US Open Gold medal icon.svg at 74kg
Win20-4 Flag of the United States.svg Dan VallimontTF 10-0April 28, 20182018 US Open Wrestling Championships

Flag of the United States.svg Las Vegas, Nevada

Win19-4 Flag of the United States.svg Jake SueflohnTF 11-0
Win18-4 Flag of the United States.svg Jacen PetersenTF 10-0
Win17-4 Flag of the United States.svg Connor KeatingTF 10-0
Win16-4 Flag of the United States.svg Jacob ThalinFall
2017 U23 World Championships 5th at 74kg
Loss15-4 Flag of Georgia.svg Avtandil Kentchadze TF 0-11November 25, 2017 2017 World U23 Wrestling Championship

Flag of Poland.svg Bydgoszcz, Poland

Win15-3 Flag of Kazakhstan.svg Yerkebulan TileuTF 11-0
Win14-3 Flag of Lithuania.svg Andrius MazeikaTF 13-2
Loss13-3 Flag of Russia.svg Gadzhi Nabiev 5-6
2017 US U23 World Team Trials Gold medal icon.svg at 74kg
Win13-2 Flag of the United States.svg Chance Marsteller7-6October 8, 20172017 US U23 World Team Trials

Flag of the United States.svg Rochester, Minnesota

Win12-2 Flag of the United States.svg Chance Marsteller8-2
2017 US World Team Trials Bronze medal icon.svg at 74kg
Loss11-2 Flag of the United States.svg Alex Dieringer 2-4June 9, 20172017 US World Team Trials Challenge

Flag of the United States.svg Lincoln, Nebraska

Loss11-1 Flag of the United States.svg Kyle Dake 2-9
Win11-0 Flag of the United States.svg Kevin LeValleyTF 10-0
2017 US Last Chance OTT Gold medal icon.svg at 74kg
Win10-0 Flag of the United States.svg Nick WanzekTF 10-0May 22, 20172017 US Senior Last Chance World Team Trials Qualifier

Flag of the United States.svg Rochester, Minnesota

Win9-0 Flag of the United States.svg Alfred DanielTF 11-0
Win8-0 Flag of the United States.svg Michael SchmitzTF 13-1
2016 US University Nationals Gold medal icon.svg at 74kg
Win7-0 Flag of the United States.svg Chance MarstellerTF 15-5June 6, 20162016 US University National Championships

Flag of the United States.svg Akron, Ohio

Win6-0 Flag of the United States.svg Chance Marsteller14-10
Win5-0 Flag of the United States.svg Tyrel WhiteTF 10-0
Win4-0 Flag of the United States.svg Nate HigginsTF 10-0
Win3-0 Flag of the United States.svg Raider LofthouseTF 10-0
Win2-0 Flag of the United States.svg Marquint BryantTF 12-2
Win1-0 Flag of the United States.svg Evan DelongTF 13-2

NCAA record

NCAA Championships Matches
Res.RecordOpponentScoreDateEvent
2018 NCAA Championships Silver medal icon.svg at 165 lbs
Loss17-2Vincenzo Joseph1-6March 17, 2018 2018 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Win17-1Alex Marinelli5-1
Win16-1Chance MarstellerMD 10-1
Win15-1Jonathon Chavez10-5
Win14-1Zachary CarsonTF 20-5
2017 NCAA Championships Silver medal icon.svg at 165 lbs
Loss13-1Vincenzo JosephFallMarch 18, 2018 2017 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Win13-0Isaac Jordan2-1
Win12-0Nick Wanzek8-5
Win11-0Shaun`Qae McMurtryMD 14-4
2016 NCAA Championships Gold medal icon.svg at 157 lbs
Win10-0 Jason Nolf 6-5March 19, 2016 2016 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Win9-0Ian MillerSV-1 7-5
Win8-0Nick Brascetta6-3
Win7-0Markus ScheidelMD 15-4
Win6-0Robert HendersonTF 16-0
2015 NCAA Championships Gold medal icon.svg at 157 lbs
Win5-0Brian Realbuto9-2March 21, 20152015 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Win4-0 James Green 3-2
Win3-0Nick Brascetta10-4
Win2-0Spartak ChinoFall
Win1-0Russell ParsonsTF 18-2

Stats

SeasonYearSchoolRankWeigh ClassRecordWinBonus
2018Senior University of Illinois #1 (2nd)16518-194.74%63.16%
2017Junior#1 (2nd)31-196.88%68.75%
2016Sophomore#2 (1st)15732-196.97%66.67%
2015Freshman#1 (1st)35-0100.00%68.57%
Career116-397.14%66.79%

Collegiate awards and records

Freestyle awards and honors

2019
2018
2017

References

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