Matt Martin inducted into MH Athletic Hall of Honor

Mountain Home High School graduate, Matt Martin will be inducted into its Athletic Hall of Honor in recognition of his contributions to Bomber athletics.A 1988 graduate, Martin was a standout member of Coach Lindell Thomas’s basketball teams in the mid-1980s. As a three-year starter, he helped lead the Bombers to 66 wins, three conference tournament championships, a perfect conference season, a regional title and three consecutive state tournament appearances. Martin was a three-time All-Conference selection, earned All-State honors in 1987–88 and played in the 1988 Arkansas High School All-Star Game. He finished his career with 1,525 points, including 635 in his senior season, the first year Arkansas high school basketball used the three-point line.

KTLO News spoke with Martin, who shares what it was like growing up in Mountain Home.

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When asked who inspired him to take his athletic career seriously, it didn’t take long for Martin to respond.

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Looking back, Martin says the many great memories he made playing sports at Mountain Home make his entire athletic career there a highlight.

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The theme of full-circle moments for this year’s inductees holds true for Martin, who reflects on what it means to be named to the Hall of Honor.

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Martin continued his playing career at North Arkansas Community College and Arkansas College (now Lyon College), earning All-Conference and All-Region honors. He received the Dick Winningham Scholar-Athlete Award in his senior year for achievements in academics and athletics.

Beyond his playing career, Martin has been active in supporting local athletics. He served in the Mountain Home Booster Club for more than 27 years, helped establish the Holiday High School Basketball Tournament, co-founded the Top Flight Basketball Academy, and officiated high school football for 25 years, including seven state championship games. Martin says because he felt so much support as an athlete growing up, it only seemed right to pay it forward.

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Martin and his wife, Ann, raised twin daughters, Abby and Emma, both multi-sport athletes. His brother, Mark Martin, was inducted into the Hall of Honor in 2022.

Martin will be celebrated at the 2025 Mountain Home Athletic Hall of Honor Banquet on Saturday starting at 1:00.

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