16 Oct 2013 'The Quiet Giant' Quitman's Hadley Martin
by Mark Oliver
Quitman running back Hadley Martin is a young man of few words. That’s because the senior would rather use his play on the field to speak for him.
Martin was nominated by Coach Fritz Heidenreich and selected for this year’s 501 Football Team.
“Hadley just plays,” Heidenreich said. “He does not say much, but leads by his play. He always works hard and pushes others to do their best.”
The versatile Martin, who played running back, linebacker and even filled in at quarterback last year, racked up 101 total tackles with five tackles for loss and one sack last year. Despite his successes last year, however, the Bulldogs missed the playoffs.
“We didn’t finish as good as we thought we were going to,” Martin said. “We did the best we could.
The Bulldogs have endured a bumpy start to 2013, earning just one win in six games. Despite the Bulldogs’ record, however, Martin says football is not always about winning.
“My favorite part about football is just playing with all my friends,” Martin said. “I just really enjoy playing football with all of them.”
This week, Martin and the Bulldogs travel to Conway Christian (2-4, 2-1) to take on an Eagles squad that defeated Quitman last year, 54-6.
“Our goal is to wear them down,” Martin said. “I want to play my hardest and really do the best for my team. I want to help my team win. We’re going to go out there and show people who Quitman is.”
No matter how the Bulldogs finish, Martin is grateful for the opportunity to play under the Friday night lights.
“I started playing football because my older brother played for Quitman,” Martin said. “I was only in third grade, but I thought it always looked fun, so I started playing — and I have had a lot of fun. I’m so glad I found football.”
Aside from football, Martin is a member of Beta Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He and teammate Blake Davis even lead a Bible study group together with the rest of the team.
“Players look to Hadley for guidance,” Heidenreich said. “On the field, he has relentless pursuit to the ball. Off the field, he is friends to everyone and tries to help the less fortunate. He helps everyone feel better.”
After graduation, Martin looks to stay in the 501.
“I love the small town atmosphere of the 501,” Martin said. “Whether it’s riding four wheelers or frog gigging, there’s so much to do here. It’s a great place to live.”
