If new Warren County High School wrestling coach Stephen Martin ever wants to turn up the heat on his team, all he’ll need to do is break out his old routine in the ring.
Martin, also known as Lord Frost in his professional wrestling career, has brought his 20-year background to Pioneer wrestling as he took over the program from longtime coach Matt Turner over the offseason.
Martin is a blast from the past for the Pioneers as he returns for the 20th year of the program’s history. Martin was on the original team in 1992-93 and he made history during his two-year wrestling career in Warren County.
Martin was the first wrestler from Warren County to qualify for the state tournament, as he and Bo Ramsey both went to the state in 1994. Martin punched his ticket in the heavyweight division 10 minutes before Ramsey and forever linked his name to the program.
While Martin has a prolific background in high school wrestling, his 17-year career as Lord Frost in professional wrestling has piqued the interest of his team.
Martin was best known for his entrance, where he breathes fire on his way to the ring. Fire is something Martin incorporated over the years after starting his career in 1995 around Halloween.
Some of the highlights in Martin’s career, which has taken him around the country for events, include doing a program with King Kong Bundy of WWE fame and meeting fellow McMinnville professional wrestler Duke “The Dumpster” Droese.
Martin also wrestled locally at Jake’s Auction with James Storm, who now stars in TNA wrestling.
While some of the Pioneers know of Martin’s forays in the squared circle, Martin won’t become Lord Frost in practices or for matches. Martin has also ruled out incorporating steel chairs, leg drops and flying elbows.
Although the professional wrestling gimmicks do not mix with high school wrestling, Martin has brought in many of the training methods he has used throughout his career. Martin feels his team has embraced the training.
“I’ve brought in some of the conditioning drills I’ve trained with and used throughout the years, things I don’t feel like some of the more traditional coaches would use,” said Martin. “They’re very stressful and force the guys to use their minds while they’re exhausted. When they’re in the final round and tired, I want them to still be thinking their way through the match.
“The boys have really responded to them and I think they enjoy them.”
While Martin has made it a point to not mix the two genres for the most part, the team has discussed having a fundraising event.
Until then, the Pioneers will have to settle for a coach with a decorated wrestling career and a tie to the 20-year history of the program. He can breathe fire too.