Ralph E. Martin, Class of 1937, was a nine letter winner at Coe in football, track and basketball. Every account of football games in his era speaks of his running and scoring ability as a fullback. In 1936 he was the main offensive cog in Coe's championship season. That same year he set a Midwest Conference pole vault record of nearly 13 feet and his leadership qualities were such that he was elected president of the Clan of C.

After graduation from Coe, Mr. Martin coached high school sports at Sheldon and Clarinda, Iowa. During World War II he spent 30 months overseas and was discharged with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. On his return to Cedar Rapids he began to learn the sporting goods business as an employee of Armstrong's sporting goods department. Then in 1949 Ralph Martin and his college coach, Moray Eby, formed a partnership and opened Eby's Sporting Goods store.

For many years Ralph Martin was a respected official at high school and college football and basketball games. His skill and reputation earned him an appointment as a Big Ten football official to be effective in 1954. Mr. Martin was never able to fulfill his responsibility as his fine career was ended by a fatal heart attack while he was officiating a basketball game in December, 1953.