Athlete Spotlight: Jared Martino ‘19 - Cheshire Academy (CT) - Football

Thursday, November 2nd, 2017

Jared Martino ’19 arrived on the campus of Cheshire Academy in Cheshire, CT, this fall, as a transfer student from Malden High School. The former MHS football and baseball standout made the move after deep discussions and considerations with his family. Martino, who fell in love with the campus at first sight, was seeking an opportunity to grow as a person and as a student-athlete. After reclassifying to the Class of 2019, Martino embraced the chance to compete with and against some of the best talent and schools in New England.

“I know that  I left Malden High School, but the love is still there,” stressed Martino. “It is a place where I grew up and a place where I will always call home. I will never forget where I came from.”

Martino also credits his parents and family for their unconditional love, support and guidance along the way.

"My family has always been there for me and given me their full support, and I could not be more thankful," Martino said

The 2016 Mass Prep Stars/First String Performance Super Team honoree starred at quarterback for MHS last year, but has made the move to running back this season for Cheshire, and has thrived in his new role. It is not a skill-set that is unfamiliar to Martino, as the versatile star excelled at running the ball in 2016, rushing for 1,200 yards to go with 2,000 yards passing and 30 total touchdowns.

Martino had one of the top single-game performances of the year in 2016, earning Mass Prep Stars athlete of the week, as he helped lead Malden to a 48-42, triple-overtime victory over Lowell High School. Martino totaled 485 yards, with 303 yards coming through the air and 182 yards on the ground, to go with seven touchdowns (4 rushing, 3 passing)in the win.

Cheshire Academy, a Connecticut Prep football power, is known Nationally as one of the top programs in the East. Head Coach David Dykeman’s program features a slew of FBS and FCS prospects annually, and this season is no different.

The transition to Cheshire was not an easy one from the start for Martino, but it is one in which he has come to embrace.

“The adjustment was extremely difficult at first,” Martino said. “The first week here was extremely rough for me. I was in a new environment for the first time in my life and away from all of my friends and family." 

After receiving valued guidance and encouragement from his parents and coaches, Martino has dug in and not looked back. Cheshire is 6-1 and Martino has rushed for 836 yards and 10 touchdowns to date, including a monstrous 200-yard rushing effort in a win over St. Thomas More.

“Playing with guys like Bryce Sebastian, Chase Kinzly, Malachi Burby, Tanner Davis, Cletus Mathurinis and others is eye opening, as everyone here is a top-notch guy. Everyone is really good, everyone has offers and it forces you to go hard every single practice.”

Martino, who is focused on lofty team goals this season, has also established a close bond with Cheshire Offensive Coordinator Ross Jatkola, whom he credits for being a valued mentor on and off the gridiron.

“He pushes me to be great,” Martino said. “He’s always real with me and he was one of the coaches who helped recruit me to Cheshire. “The staff here is amazing and I love each and every one of them.”

Martino has seen his recruiting pick up this season, with numerous FBS programs keeping in close and frequent contact.

“I am embracing the recruiting process and I look forward to seeing how everything continues to play out,” he added.

With all of Martino’s success on the gridiron it is important to also remember that he is one of the top dual-sport stars in New England.

The baseball diamond is also where Martino shines, as evident from his spectacular 2016 season at Malden High. His season was highlighted by a stellar no-hitter against Medford, in a 2-0 win for the Golden Tornadoes.

“My whole life I have been a multi-sport athlete,” Martino said.  “I have never favored one and I have always loved playing both. They both go hand-in-hand, as in football the pressure is always on, with Friday night lights and the crazy crowds. That actually helps me while I am pitching because it is more laid back and I know that I have experience in situations much bigger.”

The future is certainly bright for Martino, as it is clear that whatever is thrown his way, Martino will be ready to embrace it and shine during the process.

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