Tribune Chronicle / John Vargo Former YSU basketball player Ann Marie Martin has been a track & field official for the past 10 years.

AUSTINTOWN — Ann Marie Martin proudly wears her white official’s shirt with an Ohio High School Athletic Association logo.

The former Youngstown State University women’s basketball player always had a passion for basketball. She always will.

Then there’s track and field with the emphasis on field for Martin, who was an all-Ohio thrower at Parma Valley Forge High School — a 1994 graduate.

She’s been an OHSAA official for the past 10 years, but it’s been longer — unofficially.

Martin was hired by Austintown Local Schools almost two decades ago, soon after leaving YSU and a 1997-98 season in which the Penguins went 28-3 and won their first-ever NCAA Tournament game.

She’s an eighth-grade science teacher, but soon became a volunteer throws coach for the Falcons. Love of the shot put and discus never left her as well.

Martin had a few state-level competitors, even counting two third-place discus throwers in 2006 with Alexis Hall and Sam Cassano — a highlight of her coaching career.

Cassano, Fitch’s current throws coach, remembers when Tuesday meets didn’t have enough officials. Martin, even though she was coaching, had to officiate her areas.

Cassano had a throw that would’ve been a school record, but was fouled. He respected Martin’s decision. It was a teachable moment.

“I remember her saying, ‘You don’t want anything given to you in life,’ “ Cassano said.

Martin’s presence at the shot put and discus areas commands respect. Like others who follow track and field, they come back for the passion. She never lost that.

That’s what local OHSAA track and field official Lou Brown has noticed.

“She didn’t lose an interest in it,” he said. “She adds to it, let’s say. She’s good for it.”

Martin definitely stays busy. She also officiates volleyball, basketball (no surprise), track and field and high school and college lacrosse.

So, it’s hard for her to watch too many YSU women’s games. If there’s an off night officiating, she’ll attend.

“It’s nice to see the tradition continue,” Martin said. “I hope they keep doing it. They have a great group of kids, coaching staff. You always want your alma mater to do as best as they can.”

That’s the way the high school athletes act when they compete in the discus or shot put.

“They’re high-fiving, cheering each other on,” she said. “That’s what makes it worthwhile coming back every year.”

Cassano has that same passion for the sport. It was cultivated over the years he competed for Martin, having a calming effect for him.

“She always knew exactly what to say,” he said. “There’s so much respect there for Coach Martin. She’s one of the people I respect the most that’s ever impacted my life. She’s very fair.”