Martin Johnson first enrolled at Sheridan College in the fall of 1984. Along with other stellar recruits Hardley Scott and Rudy Donick, Martin was Sheridan’s first scholarship athlete.
At the start of the 1984-85 season it was apparent that the Bruins would be something special. Then playing a 22 league schedule, the Bruins went 21-1 in those league games, followed by the school’s first OCAA basketball championship and then a Canadian College Championship. Throughout this unbelievable season Martin gave outstanding efforts night in and night out and because of his team-mates, Martin’s statistics don’t tell his true value to the team.
Even though Martin did lead the team in rebounding and field goal percentage and averaged 11 points per game it was his incredible outlet passes, developed from years on the cricket pitch, that really made the Bruins click offensively.
Martin ended the year as the winner of numerous all-star awards, but his happiest moment was when he and his team-mates received their Canadian gold medals.
With the departure of leading scorer Kevin St.Kitts, the bulk of the scoring for the 1985-86 season fell onto Martin’s shoulders and he responded by leading the team with 13.8 points per game average and also once again leading the team in rebounding and field goal percentage.
The team again had a truly fantastic season, winning several tournaments, having an 18-2 league record and winning their second consecutive OCAA Championship in overtime at Sheridan.
Martin played tremendously in the CCAA’s as the Bruins came one game short of winning the National Championship for a second time.
For his efforts Martin was named a CCAA All-Star as well as Team Co-MVP with Bruce Nelson.