In our continuing series on Doc Martin, today we look at his time as a member of the Norwich University football team. The combined descriptions of Doc Martin are those of an all-around athlete, but more importantly, a tremendous teammate. It was said often that he did not seek attention for himself and repeatedly brought up how he adjusted what he did for the betterment of the team. Could a better acknowledgment of greatness be made? While playing in an era where statistics can be difficult to locate, the best way to explain an athlete's stardom is through the words of his teammates, peers, and opponents.
The War Whoop description of Doc Martin stated "here we have the center about which many of our football victories are woven. The Hula dance exhibit which he gives when carrying the ball is worth going miles to see. After each game the highest medical skill is called in to attend to his opponents. Well, so much for his athletic prowess." In today's language, Doc was routinely breaking ankles while putting on a show on the field. In another year's War Whoop it explained his talent by saying "Doc is an all-around man. Many a football victory has been due to his slipperiness – now you see him and now you don't; that's him on the gridiron."
During his playing career he was the consummate all-around athlete. An excellent runner, an adept passer, physical player on defense, an extremely intelligent player, and even became the team's kicker out of necessity. "But, it had in Martin a back with two years' experience, whose field of running was off tackle, where his elusive dashes won him rightly the reputation of being the star of the team," said a Reveille article. "He made no long sprints for touchdowns in any games but aided by the splendid team-work of his line and backs and his own skillful playing, he scored or brought the ball in scoring distance in most of the games. A bit of luck would have sent him through Boston College for a touchdown, for he broke through almost the entire team. Lacking a brilliant kicker, the team called upon Martin, and he did effective work after the Dartmouth game, improving steadily during the rest of the season. After he caught the idea of throwing a certain type of pass, he threw it cleverly and on the field of play his headwork counted for touchdowns made by other players. A large portion of the success of the team is due beyond question to Martin." Two particular plays from Martin's career are worth specifically noting. In the season review, The War Whoop wrote "the most spectacular play of the game came in the very last minute of play. 'Doc' Martin heaved a long pass to 'Babe' Hyland, the best end ever at Norwich, and the little wizard scooped it in and tore for the goal and Norwich's second touchdown. Martin kicked a goal! This was Norwich's first victory in Boston (against Boston University), and was a great ending for a great season." The opening paragraph in a game recap from The Record described another pivotal play by writing "standing nearly fifty yards from the opponent's goal, 'Doc' Martin, the Norwich half back, held the ball as coolly as if no men were charging toward him. And then, with a long, true pass, he settled the ball into Hyland's hands, twenty five yards down the field." Later in the article it explained the importance of the play. "Such was the sensational finish of the 1918 Vermont State Championship series; in such a way did N.U. make good her claim as state champion."
Towards the end of Doc's playing days at Norwich there were several common threads in articles. He was often described as a great teammate, a truly physically tough player, committed to Norwich, and there was an overall thankfulness of those who were grateful to have the opportunity to have covered his games. A Reveille article late in Doc's playing career put it best. The article said "about all that can be said of Martin is to say he was 'there' with a vengeance. His playing has been a delight to the present writer ever since he saw him on the field for the first time."
As Doc Martin finished his playing career, his accomplishments were well noted. In fact, The Record reprinted Doc's unofficial nomination to be an All-American. The Record stated "in the sporting column of the New York Times of November 24, 1919, appears a request from Northfield, that H.D. Martin, half-back and Milton J. Herrick, guard, be considered when the names of the star performers on the gridiron this season, come up for Walter Camp's mythical All-American football team. Neither man needs an introduction to football followers of this state: and around Boston, Martin has been known as a stellar performer from his high school days, and is one of the shiftiest and greatest open-field runners that has ever worn the maroon and gold." Although he did not make that year's coveted All-American team, his football career was certainly worthy of such recognition.
One of the last articles written in The Record about Doc Martin's Norwich football career best sums up who Doc was on the football. It is arguably the greatest compliment which could be paid to an athlete. The article said "H.D. Martin ("Doc") plays his last game for Norwich this year. He leaves a reputation that will stay long behind him as one of the best N.U.'s backs. The Dartmouth official writeup after the Dartmouth game said he was 'one of the finest defensive backs ever seen at Hanover.' Seeking no personal glory for himself, he has played the game with his team. Last year, the offense was built largely around him, and his shifty, elusive, heady dashes off tackle were the plays that carried the ball to striking distance of the goal lines of the five teams beaten last year. This year, in an offense of a different type, his power has shown up as an interferer and in defensive play. He has been loyal to N.U., to his team, to his coach. This is the tribute of one who has worked with him in football when the going was rocky, and one who knows him. A football player from the ground up whose football is over – 'Doc', so long and good luck."
