Victory Through Integrity: The Inspiring Standards of Elton Martin

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- We are constantly bragging about the young people in this community on both sides of the highway. However, for some people who aren’t from here, I hear how the young people here are entitled, coddled, disrespectful and so forth.

I have news for you. I’ve been doing this for 25 years and I’ve yet to meet a kid here that fits that description.

Today's subject, Elton Martin, a senior at The Woodlands High School, is a very talented Cross Country/Track & Field athlete whose times in every event he enters would make Jim Thorpe jealous. To make things even more amazing, on top of all that stands a magnificently humble human being. You’ll never hear Elton talking about himself.

Elton realizes he has gifts in and out of the athletic arena, but you'll never see him resting on those laurels as he is in constant competition with himself to become the absolute best person and athlete he can be. This is not surprising at all, seeing as I’ve met his awesome parents and they are two of the most genuine people you'll ever meet, and I encourage you to do so.

Let’s get to know Elton Martin in this week’s Woodlands Online Student-Athlete Profile of the Week…

1) How long have you been running competitively?

I have been running cross country and track competitively for six years, starting in middle school. I initially became interested in cross country because my parents would not allow me to play football, and my school did not offer soccer at the time. Prior to running, my life largely revolved around playing soccer.

2) Describe the 2026–2027 TWHS Cross Country team and why you enjoy competing for the Highlanders.

The 2026–2027 team has the most talented roster we have had during my time here. With teammates like Will Bishop, James Clairy, Bo Breed, and others, we are shaping up to be exceptionally strong and anticipate a great season. I thoroughly enjoy competing for the Highlanders. The team chemistry, competitiveness, and travel opportunities make it an incredibly rewarding experience, which is ultimately what it is all about.

3) Why do you like attending The Woodlands High School?

I appreciate attending The Woodlands High School. Ever since I was a child, I’ve heard about how remarkable the school was, and now that I get to experience it firsthand, I truly feel the "Woodlands Pride" everyone always talked about.

4) College plans? Do you know what your field of study will be?

I plan to run at the Division I college level and intend to commit to a program around mid-October. Academically, I plan to major in Finance and eventually pursue my MBA.

5) What do you hope to be doing after you graduate from college?

While I am not entirely certain about my post-college career path, I am interested in working in finance, likely in Texas or the Midwest.

6) What do you enjoy doing away from school and running competitively?

Outside of running, I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend, playing the electric guitar, and watching thrash metal and hard rock concert videos on my projector. I am also a big fan of having bonfires with friends.

7) Who is your role model for Cross Country/Track & Field?

When I was younger, I looked up to Pablo Lessarri, a runner at The Woodlands High School who qualified for the state championship in the 800m and reached Nike Cross Nationals. Nowadays, I look up to Colin Sahlman. Getting to meet him a couple of years ago was a dream come true.

8) Talk about Coach Juris Green’s coaching style. Why do you feel he is so successful?

Coach Green possesses a coaching style that most coaches strive for. He has a unique talent for understanding each athlete’s individual capabilities—he knows when someone is pushing too hard, when someone is capable of more, and exactly how to guide athletes toward improvement. His ability to connect with team members on a personal level helps everyone reach their potential, which in turn drives the entire team's success. This approach is a key reason why The Woodlands has won more cross country state championships than any other program.

9) If you were given a million dollars and had to give it to one charity, which one would you choose and why?

If I could choose any charity to support, it would be the Spina Bifida Association of America. Having watched my uncle navigate the challenges of this condition throughout his life, I’ve seen firsthand how severe it can be and how little public awareness exists around it.

10) Three things people don't know about you.

Three things people might not know about me are: I am a decent boxer, I’m good at woodworking, and I’m of German descent.

11) What is your favorite song on your phone now? Do you have a favorite group?

My favorite song on my phone right now is "Mechanix" by Megadeth, which is also my favorite band.

12) Your favorite movie of all time.

My favorite movie is Skyfall. I do not think any other film compares to it, and it remains an absolute classic.

13) If you were sentenced to death but you were allowed to go on one last date, who would the lucky girl be?

My biggest inspiration is my girlfriend of two years, Sara. She is the sweetest person I know and constantly inspires me.

14) When is the last time you danced? You any good?

The last time I danced was about a month ago. I am a terrible dancer; I sometimes joke that I am decent, but that is definitely not the case.

15) What is your opinion as to sports specialization starting in junior high school?

I believe sports specialization should begin in junior high school. Before age 12, children should participate in multiple sports to explore different interests. However, if an athlete wants a realistic chance to compete at the collegiate level, specializing in junior high is essential.

16) Describe how supportive your family has been with everything in your life.

Nobody in my life has been as supportive as my family. My parents have never missed a single meet throughout my middle school and high school career, my sister always decorates signs and banners to cheer me on, and my grandparents regularly send me inspirational quotes and words of wisdom.

17) What gets you through “The Wall”?

Whenever I hit the wall in a race and feel completely exhausted, two things pull me through. First, I refuse to let all the hard work I put in and the chance to win or set a personal best go to waste. Opportunities like that aren’t always available, so I have to make sure I can grab them when I can. Second, even when the physical and mental pain peaks, I think about everyone who supported me along the way. Knowing they are counting on me reminds me that I cannot let them down, which always gives me the drive to push past my limits.

TWHS Cross Country/Track & Field head coach, Juris Green shared his thoughts regarding Elton…

“Elton is a student of the sport. His passion is easy to see and over time that has opened the door to creating one of the best high school distance runners in the United States.”

By now, I’m sure you’ve read enough to know that Elton is a giver. He constantly puts the needs of others ahead of his own. In speaking with a relative, they knew he was going to be selfless back when he was in elementary school. Like most elementary school-aged kids, Elton loved LEGO Star Wars. In visiting his grandparents, who had foster children, he brought some of his favorite LEGO toys with him. When he got home, his parents asked him where the LEGO characters were. He said he had given them to the boys at grandma’s house because they liked them and didn’t have any of their own.

That type of thoughtfulness and kindness are ingrained in Elton’s personality. He isn’t just nice and polite when people are watching, that is really just who he is.

Elton is not the type of person that is only nice to people whom he knows can do something for him. He’s nice to everyone.

Here we are near the end of the article and I haven’t posted Elton’s personal bests…Here you go:

Mile – 4:09
2-Mile – 8:58
3-Mile – 13:40
5K – 14:45

Do those numbers warrant a story on their own? Sure, but the story would be thin. Elton Martin is not just about numbers. He’s about integrity and selflessness.

That whole package gets Elton to the finish line.

…In a hurry!

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