Later this month, Cedar Ridge graduate Fernando Martinez will start his college wrestling career at Division II UNC Pembroke. It’s something of a surprise for Martinez, who didn’t envision his wrestling career extending beyond Cedar Ridge. For that matter, Martinez didn’t see his wrestling career going beyond 8th grade at Stanback Middle School. Fortunately for him and Cedar Ridge wrestling coach Scott Metcalf, Martinez proved to be a quick learner at Cedar Ridge. He finished his career with 143 wins, the most decorated 3A wrestler in school history. Last February, he advanced to the 113-pound 3A State Championship match, where he faced Jacob Kresicki of First Flight. There are only two wrestlers in school history with more wins than Martinez, which is all the more impressive since he was limited to just 24 matches in his sophomore year due to COVID-19. If he had a full season, there’s a chance he could have broken the school record for wins, held by Chandler Collins with 166 victories. During his senior year, Martinez was a part of a Cedar Ridge team that won the Central Carolina Conference Tournament championship at Orange High School. Martinez is one of only four wrestlers in school history to reach a state final. He was also the third member of HIllsboroughsports.com’s Four-Timers Club, winning Cedar Ridge Athlete of the Week four times in four years, along with Takiya Nichols and Cameron Lloyd.