V. E. "Onions" Martin officiated Oklahoma wrestling for over 40 years. His name is synonymous with officiating regional and state tournaments for many years. He also contributed to the sport by helping start the Blue T Wrestling program at Clinton Jr. High School in Tulsa. He was named the 1989-90 Official of the Year and the 1990 Methuselah of Wrestling. He was selected for the Oklahoma Officials Hall of Fame in 1983, the OSSAA Hall of Fame in 1980, and the Edison Wrestling Tournament Hall of Fame in 1974. In 1990 he was selected to the Villareal-McDonalds Hall of Fame. He was awarded the first V.E. Onions Martin Award, named in his honor, in 1986. Martin was previously recognized for his 40 years of service by Webster High School.