ONEONTA, N.Y. - Hartwick College alumnus Shawn Martin '91 has been inducted into the 2025 North American Indigenous Hall of Fame (NAIHF) in recognition of his outstanding achievements as a student-athlete and beyond.
An Akwesanse Mohawk, Martin made his mark on the Hill as a standout cross-country and track athlete. He placed sixth at the New York Division III Cross Country Championships and tenth in the New York Regional, missing an NCAA berth by 0.4 seconds.
Martin also dominated on the track. During the 1991 indoor season, he set a Hartwick record in the 1000 meters at the New York Division III meet with a time of 2:30:9, a record that still stands. That same year, he won the New York State outdoor championship in the 3000-meter steeplechase with a personal best of 9:10.3, after placing third in the event in each of the two previous seasons.
Martin capped his Hartwick career by qualifying for the NCAA Division III National Championships, where he placed eighth and earned All-American honors.
After graduation, Martin continued to compete at a high level. He ran with the Wings of America program in 1990 and 1991, competing at the XC Nationals in New York City and Boston as a member of the Northeast Region Senior Team. He raced the 3000-meter steeplechase at the Empire State Games and was selected for the USA East Track and Field Team. He also ran the Utica Boilermaker 15K multiple times, recording a personal best of 56:53.
In 1995, Martin competed in the North American Indigenous Games in Blaine, Minnesota, where he won gold in the 3000 meters, silver in the 800 meters, and placed fourth in the 1500 meters.
In recognition of his accomplishments, Martin was inducted into both the Salmon River and Hartwick College Athletic Halls of Fame in 2010.
In addition to his athletic career, Martin has made a lasting impact as a coach and official. He has coached youth through junior varsity levels in soccer and softball, as well as high school varsity cross-country and track and field for six years, and basketball for 25 years. In 2002, he served as assistant coach for the boys' New York State Class C Cross Country Championship team. Over the past six years, he has also served as a high school official in girls' and boys' soccer, basketball and boys' lacrosse.
"Being inducted into the NAIAHF is quite an honor and a very humbling experience," said Martin. "Individual accolades are great, but without the teammates that went through all the struggles with you to have success, this could not have been possible. I will always cherish the fond memories of teammates, coaches, and athletic and academic staff support at Hartwick College. My passion for running was fueled by the successes of the track and field/ cross-country teams at 'Wick during my time there. Lastly, I would like to thank my wife, Andrea (Mott) '91, for the love and support throughout my career."
Betty Powell '82, assistant athletic director and senior woman administrator, had the opportunity to watch Martin's athletic journey firsthand and noted that the recognition is well-deserved.
"I had the pleasure of knowing Shawn and watching him compete when he was a student-athlete at Hartwick College," said Powell. "He was a very talented track athlete and was recognized for his achievements when he was inducted into the Hartwick Hall of Fame in 2010. I'm thrilled he's once again being honored, this time by the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame, for the incredible legacy he continues to build."
About Hartwick College:
Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success—both professionally and personally.
