There is a case to be made that Sharks defenseman Paul Martin is one of Minnesota's greatest all-time multisport prep athletes.
Some incredulity surfaced during Pittsburgh's Game 1 win over San Jose, when Pierre McGuire mentioned Martin was among the all-time great receivers in Minnesota high school history. Well ...
• Martin, a 2000 Elk River graduate, was of course a standout hockey player. He was Mr. Hockey and the Star Tribune's Metro Player of the Year as a senior.
• As a football player, he was arguably just as impressive. The ex-wide receiver graduated with the state career records for receptions (189) and yards (3,009).
• As a baseball player, he was no slouch. Martin was a .354 hitter entering the playoffs as a senior.
• The kicker is Martin almost didn't play hockey because he was such a good basketball player. He led youth basketball teams to state titles in 6th, 7th and 8th grade.
Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. michael.rand@startribune.com.
