Over his past four years donning the Brown and White, Andrew Martinez as experienced his share of highlights and lowlights on the fields and courts.

However, the past six months may have been the true acid test. His strong character traits helped lighten a heavy situation.

Martinez has endured a 1-10 season on the gridiron as the team’s quarterback and has been mired in a 1-16 basketball season to begin the week, one that could eventually result in possibly one other win in the mix.

Through it all, though, the senior has kept the composure of a player ready to clinch a district playoff spot.

“Yes, it’s frustrating,” said the senior. “I am a fierce competitor and I hate to lose. But people expect me to be a leader and the younger players look up to me.

“I just have to stay focused and do what I need to do. That’s what people expect of me.”

Boys’ basketball head coach Eric Snyder has marveled at Martinez’s demeanor and determination.

“He has endured two really difficult seasons and has maintained his intensity, pride, desire and leadership and work ethic every day,” said Snyder. “Through it all, he has persevered and kept his wits about him.

“He has never given up, hung his head, pouted and has lead by example.”

Martinez has stayed the course by looking at the big picture of the program.

“You can’t just look at our record,” he said. “We do want to win games, but we know there is a future here.

“The best part is that there are two or three sophomores who have stepped right into the lineup and there is a good core for the next couple of years. It is up to us seniors to help the reach their potential. You can already see it now and it’s good.

“It’s about keeping a positive attitude through it all.”

With opportunities in the offing, Martinez would welcome the chance to be part of it.

“I would like to play with the young guys for another two years,” he said. “I have really enjoyed working with them, and I know they will do well.”

Martinez has his sights set on playing football next fall on the collegiate level, and he is still weighing his options. The Catasauqua MVP of the Thanksgiving Day game has been told by coaches that he likely will be an offensive player in college. Martinez was in the secondary on defense for the Roughies.

He enjoyed his experience with first-year head coach Mike McClarin.

“He made it fun for me,” said Martinez about McClarin. “This was the most fun since I was a sophomore. He brought a different perspective and made all of us appreciate who we are and what we could contribute.”

McClarin enjoyed his time with the first-year starter.

“Andrew Martinez had a phenomenal year for us,” said McClarin. “He really grasped the offense and was leader on and off the field. He made things happen and always was hustling.”

Martinez’s composure in the figurative hailstorm is even more impressive, considering he has only played both football and basketball since seventh grade.

In a few weeks, he’ll turn his attention to baseball, his true love that began at the age of five.

“It (baseball) definitely is my favorite sport,” he said. “I am looking forward to it. A lot of the sophomores are on the baseball team. It will be good to work with them again.”

It will another phase in which Martinez will bring his strong character traits to another sport.