An interview with David Marthy

David Marthy was one of the fiercest competitors and among the greatest middle-distance runners in our program’s history. When he graduated in 2015, he owned numerous individual and school records. Most of them have since been broken – his only record that remains is the indoor 800-meter run. Several of his marks were obliterated from the books thanks to another middle-distance great, Drew Burns of the Class of 2019. It’s pretty neat that Drew (Guilderland) and Marthy (Shaker) both excelled in the extremely competitive Section 2 (Albany area) of New York State track and field.

Also neat? Marthy’s attitude toward his records. Many alums cling tightly to their school records, with the hope that the ties to their “glory days” remain etched in the books as long as possible. Marthy takes the opposite approach. Later on in this interview, here’s what he said about his records: I want them all to fall. The Marist track and field program continues to produce better talent each year. Hopefully soon my name will be completely forgotten. 

Such a team-first attitude is not surprising for Marthy, a career military man who is in the United States Army. He said he was honored to be considered for the Pandemic Papers series. We are honored to have coached him and to consider him an integral part of the Marist Running family, as he – and his wife – serve our country so well.

How did you become interested in Marist and how did you choose Marist over other schools? Your military service was a large part of your past, even pre-dating your time at Marist. Talk about that and how it impacted your decision to attend Marist.

Marthy at Best Ranger Competition, Fort Benning, GA

I enlisted in the New York Army National Guard on my 17^th birthday. But ask any childhood friend of mine and they will tell you the process began long before that. I always knew I wanted to be the man in the arena (as our 26^th POTUS Theodore Roosevelt would say) and I viewed military service as just that. As I began to seriously look at colleges at the beginning of my senior year of high school, I discovered Army ROTC at Marist College. MAJ John McBride, the officer in charge at Marist, facilitated numerous visits and information sessions. Marist sold itself and MAJ McBride sold me on learning to be an Army Officer at Marist College. In addition, the benefits ROTC offers (100 percent tuition, monthly stipend, training, international traveling) make it something I recommend to anybody.

While you were at Marist, you were involved in the ROTC program. How difficult was it balancing your military commitments and athletics?

Both ROTC and Marist track and field understood and encouraged involvement in the other. I don’t think I missed more than one meet a year from my freshman through junior year due to ROTC. I cannot emphasize enough how much these programs were able to complement each other so long that I remained transparent and long-term when forecasting conflicts. My senior year, however, was a different story. As commissioning approached, I began to focus more intensely on graduation requirements for ROTC. This took me away from the track and field program, ultimately leading to my decision to leave the team. It was hard to leave after seven years of competitive running, but I knew the team was bigger than any one person and would quickly rebound from my departure.

Talk about your time as an athlete at Marist. What are some of your fondest memories?

The fondest memories I have are of seeing the entire team formed and ready to practice in the old racquetball courts of McCann. Yes, we went on runs through beautiful areas of the Hudson Valley. Yes, I had some terrific races. But I reflect most fondly upon the friendships I made and the network I am still part of today.

Talk about your time as student at Marist. What was your major and how did it prepare you for your future in the military?

The Marist History department prepared me the most for my future in the US military. I learned about death and the Civil War with Dr. Marshall, strategic mistakes in the Vietnam War with Dr. Bayer, and the complexities of conflict within the Middle East with Dr. Woolner and Dr. Arslanian. I am forever indebted most to the Marist History department. They gave me the necessary prospective to make informed decisions and the writing skills to convey these decisions. Even COL Johnson helped me prepare for Ranger School with a few motivating emails.

Talk about your career trajectory since you graduated. Where have you been stationed since you left Marist, and what/where are you currently stationed and your duties?

Marthy on left during Medal of Honor ceremony in 2018

Like all good paths, mine is one I never imagined taking. In the five years since graduating, I have lived in six different states and four time zones. I led a Stryker Infantry Rifle Platoon for a year with the 4^th Infantry Division before applying for duty within Arlington National Cemetery. There I served with The Old Guard and escorted the remains of our Nation’s fallen to their final resting place. During this time, I also served as a Military Social Aide to the President of the United States. In fulfilling this duty, I assisted the President, First Family, and senior White House staff with diplomatic protocol and ceremonial decorum as well as represent the Army to guests of the First Family within the White House. Since then, I moved to Florida. Here, I fulfill duties in support of a special operations unit.

Let's talk about the Coronavirus pandemic. Clearly, this is affecting all areas of everyone’s life. How is it affecting your military career and what changes has it made to your status?

I read about nurses in the Tri-State area every day. I am inspired by the tireless selflessness they display. Compared to that, the impacts on my life are minimal. The military is taking necessary measures to flatten the curve. Administratively, this means freezing all non-essential travel. Like the civilian world, this also means redefining expectations and finding creative ways to work remotely. I consider myself extremely lucky to have a steady income during this tumultuous period.

You were recently married and your wife is also in the military. How is it impacting her and you?

David and Kayla at Gettysburg National Battlefield Park

Kayla is a Navy nurse. Right now, she’s treating patients in Los Angeles on the USNS Mercy Intensive Care Unit. Although the separation is difficult, we both know that she is needed most aboard that ship. She is a force for good in this world and I know that with her aboard, the USNS Mercy can weather any storm. Despite the challenges of working on a hospital ship meant for war, whenever we talk, Kayla and I often reflect on our home state (she is also a New Yorker) and the seemingly insurmountable challenges healthcare providers endure there daily (with vigor!). This is a testament to her selflessness and the selflessness of ALL great nurses.

You set numerous middle-distance records during your time at Marist, most of which have been broken. You still follow the program, and that loyalty is appreciated! What is it like to see your records broken or being in jeopardy?

I want them all to fall. The Marist track and field program continues to produce better talent each year. Hopefully soon my name will be completely forgotten. 

What message would you give to our current seniors who lost their final outdoor track season and final few months of their senior year?

First and foremost, whenever I was on dismounted patrol with my infantrymen, I held them to standard of a Marist track and field athlete, because my teammates showed me what TOUGH was. As Marist athletes, you are tough. Do not dwell on the sacrifice you are asked to make. Stay tough and take pride in knowing this sacrifice is saving lives right now. Do not hesitate to reach out to your teammates for support right now. Call someone from the team you wouldn’t typically reach out to, and I bet you’d be surprised with the conversation you might start. Your teammates will be lifelong friends. When going through tough times or hardships, they will always support you.

What advice would you give to current team members and/or prospective student-athletes considering Marist?

Run for Marist and Coach Pete. It will be a highlight in your life. Once you commit to that, take a SERIOUS look at what you want to study at Marist. I will always advocate a liberal arts degree over anything else. Marist has an exceptional liberal arts program with small class sizes and it’s right down the road from the FIRST presidential library.

Anything else you'd like to add …

If anyone has questions about Marist track and field, Marist liberal arts degree, or the military, email me. Dmarthy@gmail.com.