VYPE: When did you take over as AD, and what was your professional background prior to this position?
Clay Martin: I transitioned into my current position July 1, 2024. I’ve been at Jenks since 2003 and have served in the following roles: Classroom teacher, Asst. Principal – JHS, Asst. Director – Jenks Community Education, and Head Boys Basketball Coach.
VYPE: What is new in the athletic department, and are there any plans for future developments?
CM: Our department is consistently evaluating where we can improve. This includes our processes, facilities, and resources to support our students, families, and coaches.
VYPE: Why is community support essential to an athletic department?
CM: We’re truly grateful to have tremendous support from our Trojan community. This is a reflection of our historic tradition and our current student athletes and coaches. We want to be a Program that our community is proud of which represents our “tradition of excellence.” This leads to needed support through attendance at events, positive word of mouth communication, and financial support to our Booster Clubs.
VYPE: What should parents of incoming freshmen know as their student-athletes prepare to compete at the varsity level?
CM: As the number of freshmen who play varsity minutes is minimal, I feel the bigger adjustment is when student athletes begin their sophomore year. They’re now competing with and against students representing three grade levels. The talent level increases, demands increase, and time commitment increases. For those reasons, I’d tell the parents in my basketball program that the sophomore year was probably going to be the biggest adjustment and biggest challenge their student will experience in their athletic career.
VYPE: Given the changing landscape of high school athletics, what is your perspective on the current state of prep sports in Oklahoma, and how can the experience be improved for students?
CM: I understand and recognize that high school sports are ever changing. As we navigate these changes, my hope is that we’re intentional on maintaining the “student” of “student- athlete” and that we fight like heck to preserve the purity of the prep level.
VYPE: What is the biggest challenge you face as an athletic director in 2026?
CM: It’s the balance of what I stated above in #6 while also embracing and welcoming what education-based athletics looks like now. How can we work to navigate supporting our students, families, and coaches while honoring our proud tradition.
VYPE: How do you enjoy spending your free time away from school?
CM: Yard work and spring planting.
VYPE: What advice would you give to a first-time athletic director taking over a program?
CM: Surround yourself with great people. Don’t hesitate or be afraid to communicate with other ADs in areas where you need guidance.
VYPE: What is your message to the senior class of 2026, and what would you like returning students to know?
CM: Class of 2026 – “thank you for representing the Jenks Trojans with heart, determination, and perseverance. We’re very proud of what you’ve done to build on our tradition. For those returning – commit to improving every day. As a student, as a teammate, as an athlete. Commit to making the Jenks Trojans better.”
