Martin named head football coach at Danbury

LAKESIDE — Brayden Martin is ready to go. The 25-year-old owner of ELITE Performance Training and Rehabilitation in Sandusky was named as the new head football coach at Danbury at Tuesday's Board of Education meeting. Martin had been serving as the middle school football coach for the Lakers. "The excitement is through the roof," Martin said. "I get the opportunity to work with the boys that I worked with last year. I'm excited to lead upperclassmen that deserve the coaching and a season to end their high school careers on a good note with. "I let them know that whether they're an incoming freshman or a senior, we need to compete. They are really talented. They have an opportunity to win a state championship. They can earn respect right away, compete right away and compete with themselves." Martin, a 2019 Sandusky graduate, wasn't the only hire Tuesday. He will get quite the mentor as the first member of his staff in the form of Gary Quisno. Quisno stepped down as the Margaretta head coach in November, 2025, after four seasons of leading the Polar Bears. In 37 years as a head coach, Quisno has compiled a record of 280-112. "I am so excited about that and eager to learn from him," Martin said. "No matter how far you are in life, you can always learn. I like the fact that I'm not doing this alone. I appreciate all of the backing from Danbury for everything and anything I need. I'm glad we're going to have Gary Quisno for the mentorship and someone to help me learn the ropes from. "He has had a lot of success." Martin takes over for Brett Sykes, who announced his resignation in late March to become the defensive coordinator at Fremont Ross. Danbury athletic director Joe Miller said the job had to be posted internally before going public. "We were a little surprised at coach Sykes' timing of his departure, but we wish him well," Miller said. "We had to follow our negotiated agreement and post it internally. That was over spring break, which prolonged the process a bit. Rules are rules, though. "When we got to interviews, coach Martin was by far the best candidate. We are excited for what he is going to bring. He has the enthusiasm and level of energy with the student athletes." Martin is also a realtor in the area. Danbury was 7-4 last season, losing in the semifinals of the Northern 8 Conference playoffs. "Our middle school team was 6-2," Miller said. "We are really excited for what the future holds under coach Martin's leadership. There is no one more passionate about football than him." It will be a bit of a late start for Martin and the Lakers, but the familiarity should help the program out. Martin is still working on building the rest of his staff as May begins soon. "I believe these kids are going to be ready from the get-go," Martin said. "We will get after it hard the whole month of June with strength and speed training. We'll get their bodies right and the strength staff will get us in the best possible shape. "It may seem like a late start, but it's been a long time coming." Danbury will continue to compete in the Northern 8 Conference. The Lakers open the season Aug. 22 at defending champion St. Mary Central Catholic. "We are not stepping down or going to stop competing," Martin said. "We want to change the culture. It only takes one group to change a culture. We want to be a winning football team. We'll continue to show up and commit. I see a state championship in their eyes."