Waukegan defensive lineman Ivan Martinez is often watching someone who may go unnoticed during a game.
Martinez, who is deaf, gets the defensive calls in sign language from Jill Otahal, a paraprofessional in Waukegan Community Unit School District 60.
“I’m used to doing it like this, and without her, I would be going crazy,” Martinez said. “I look at her, and then I look at the playbook on my arm. That way, I’m sure I know what to do.”
Martinez, a 5-foot-11, 242-pound junior in his second season as a varsity starter for the Bulldogs (1-0), has a cochlear implant in one ear to allow for some hearing. He also reads lips.
But those measures go only so far in a sport like football, which relies heavily on verbal communication that is already challenged by helmets and crowd noise. With Otahal’s help, Martinez can more easily fulfill his role, whether that’s shedding blockers in run defense or collapsing the pocket while rushing the quarterback.
“I’ve been working hard for a long time and try to focus as much as I can,” Martinez said. “The more focus I have, the better I can play.”
Martinez, who is also a heavyweight wrestler, has known Otahal since he was in preschool. She has shadowed him in classes at times.
But when Martinez decided to play football, where there is so little time between plays, they were forced to devise new ways to ensure he was always up to speed.
“Football is such a different atmosphere,” Otahal said. “It’s easier to focus in the classroom because it’s much more quiet and structured. There’s a lot more direct coach interaction in football.”
When Martinez is on the field during a game, Otahal stands right next to Waukegan coach Zach Carr or a defensive assistant. During practices, she mirrors the in-game routine for drills, or she finds a clear view of Martinez if coaches are behind the players for more individual attention. Otahal communicates any specific instructions a coach might be yelling, in addition to the play calls.
Martinez said he has known many of his teammates for years and relishes the fact that they don’t view him in a different light.
“They treat me the same as everyone else, like I’m one of the guys,” he said. “I feel happy that they treat me that way. All the coaches love me too.”
Martinez probably wouldn’t get any argument from Carr.
After Waukegan’s season-opening 22-0 road win against Round Lake last week, Martinez was credited with 5 1/2 tackles, with two for loss, a sack and four quarterback pressures. Those numbers, reflecting Martinez’s strong performance, were based on film study.
But Martinez told Carr that he was responsible for the safety on a blown-up Round Lake run near the end zone in the second quarter. Carr said he didn’t have a clear enough vantage point to confirm Martinez’s claim.
“If you couldn’t see that, you must be blind,” Martinez said.
The exchange wasn’t out of character for him, according to Carr.
“That’s Ivan for you,” Carr said. “He jokes around, loves poking fun at everybody. He’s just one of the guys, and it’s great to have him out here.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
