Dr. Martin started his wrestling career in Waverly, New York in 7th grade under the tutelage McCloe. His wrestling record for his six years at Waverly was record of 135-26 and was a 3 time Section IV Class B champion over-all champion placing 3rd and 5th in the New York State Championship in the 112 pounds and 119 pounds weight classes. Dr. Martin was the captain of the Wolverines for three years and led the team to a Section IV Class B championship for each year and two over-all Section IV championships. Coach was like having another coach in the wrestling room. He was his teammates become better at the sport and was one of the that he ever coached. This is high praise from a coach who has wrestlers throughout his coaching tenure at Waverly. Perhaps the career occurred in the Sectional finals when he wrestled the number state, Burt Bullis from Unatego. Tom was trailing Bullis in the final seconds of the match and finally gain the victory. The win enabled Dr. Tom to earn his second Section IV title and return to the New York State championship. After completing his high school wrestling career Dr. Martin wrestled at St. Lawrence University, under of Fame coach John Clark, until his sophomore year when he incurred an injury that would end his collegiate career.