Derrick Martin will host the Derrick Martin Spring Sportsfest to support the Thomas Jefferson Athletic Program.
by Matthew Mankoff
photo courtesy Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens cornerback and Thomas Jefferson graduate Derrick Martin has announced that he will be hosting the Derrick Martin Spring Sportsfest on the weekend of May 31 as a fundraiser to benefit the Thomas Jefferson High School Athletic Program,
In addition to fundraising, the event is designed to expand the athletic knowledge of children in the community, and to give all members of the community an opportunity to meet Martin and several other celebrities from the National Football League. Other athletes attending already include TJ alumni and Baltimore Ravens running back Cory Ross, the Dallas Cowboy’s Evan Oglesby, and the Baltimore Raven’s Jamaine Winborne.
The festivities will begin on Saturday May 31st at Thomas Jefferson High Scool with free kids football and cheer clinics. The football clinic will be run by the professional players, and will focus on many of the offensive and defensive techniques and drills that are taught in the NFL. The cheer clinic will concentrate on the basics of cheerleading, including jumps, motions, and tumbling. Both events are for students in grades 1-8, with the football camp limited to the first 150 registered participants, and the cheer camp will be limited to the first 75 participants.
Later that night there will be a “Pros vs. Joes” basketball game at TJ that will feature the NFL players against some local basketball players in the area. General admission for the game is $7.00; however, those who choose to obtain a VIP pass for the event can attend a pre-game reception and receive courtside seats for $50. Business sponsorships are also available and can include being able to participate in the basketball game as a member of the “Joes” game, as well as receiving T-shirts and autographed footballs.
The Spring Sportsfest will conclude on Sunday at AMF Monaco Lanes with a Celebrity Bowling competition as well as a silent auction. The price for bowling, food, and drinks is $25 per kid and $50 per adult, and includes an autograph and photo session with all of the professional athletes.
The event is being sponsored by Martin in order for the NFL star to give something back to his alma mater. “It makes me proud to see a former student athlete such as Derrick who gives back to his community, and remembers his roots and where he came from,” said Assistant Football Coach Matt Nicolo.
Martin was a three-sport athlete and exemplary student at Thomas Jefferson from 1999-2003. He was an All-Colorado football player, All-City basketball player, and was on the 4X100 meter relay team that placed sixth in the Colorado Track State Championships. Martin then went on to play football at the University of Wyoming before being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the 6th Round of the 2006 NFL Draft.
Students and staff at Thomas Jefferson High School are excited for the Spring Sportsfest, as well as its fundraising potential. “Knowing that he came from where I am right now, and is able to give back, is awesome. The event will benefit both the school and its students greatly,” said senior football and baseball player Devon Fitzgerald. If you would like to register a participant for the camp, or to sponsor the event, go to www.derrickmartin.org.
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