Most people these days recognize Ralph Martinez behind the camera taping Ventura High athletic events. What they may not recognize is that Martinez has been behind the scenes of helping to lay the groundwork for girls’ sports programs in Ventura County.
Martinez was a multi-sport coach for three decades at Ventura High. Besides being the school’s head cross country and track and field coach, Martinez served as an assistant for the school’s football, basketball, baseball, swimming and diving programs.
His influence in county athletics has been extensive. Along with Sandra Williams, Martinez organized Women’s Athletics Ventura County in 1972 under Title IX with the founding of the Ventura High girls track program. Under his supervision, Ventura became the first county school to consist of boys and girls not on separate teams. “We’ve been doing it ever since, and it’s very efficient that way,” said Martinez.
As the Ventura High coach, Martinez’s teams won six Channel League championships and a 1999 CIF-Southern Section team championship. His 2000 Ventura team was a section runner-up. Ralph received Ventura County and Santa Barbara Relays coaching awards.
He helped coordinate efforts for new regulation pools and all-weather tracks at Ventura and Buena. He has served on numerous athletic boards throughout the county.
Martinez has been on the Ventura High teaching staff since 1970. Ralph teaches government and visual communications at Ventura. His innovative techniques and unrivaled work ethic allows Ventura coaches and athletes have quality video quickly. Many of his students have gone on to help with video production programs at various colleges, including Pac 12 schools like UCLA.
Through his techniques, spectators at Ventura football games can see live film on TVs as they wait in line at the snack bar. He has graciously passed on his knowledge to athletic programs throughout Ventura County.
Ralph and his wife Patricia have been married for 55 years.