GREGG MARTINEZ ('74)

Gregg attended St. Francis Seminary for two years in the early '70s. He was a fair guitarist, average student, and an incredible singer. When the Glee Club performed at other high schools, the girls in the audience behaved as if they were hearing Elvis. Gregg's enthusiasm, love of music, and humor came through in his songs. However, his talent and sense of humor got him in trouble one Picnic Day when he and Alfie Baca ('72) performed a very funny adaptation of "Folsom Prison Blues." A few of the lyrics bothered one of the faculty members (but everyone else nearly died laughing). Joe Bessler ('75) penned the clever lyrics:

<-- Joe Bessler

I hear the cars a-honkin' out on ol' Mill Road, screamin' and a-rushin' by, goin' where they want to go...
But I'm stuck in St Francis prison and time keeps draggin' on.
And I hope it ain't much longer before I'm goin' home.
When I was just a young boy, my Mama asked me please, "Be a money-maker and never hang 'round priests." But I never made my millions, so they threw me in jail. But they didn't want me either, so I got stuck in here.
Now the chain can be broken, we can do it right today, if you vote for T Baca ('72) for Big Chief on Picnic Day...
And now my story's over, I'm afraid I've reached the end. 

And St Francis will be a prison until T Baca wins

At 18, Gregg ventured into the world to become a professional singer, entertainer, and band leader. For the next 15 years his success took him to large casinos, nightclubs, hotels, and resorts all around the country.

By 1986, he had signed a million dollar recording agreement and an exclusive contract to appear at Donald Trump's casinos in Atlantic City, NJ. He believed his "big break" in the entertainment business had come - fame and riches. However, his personal life was soon in shambles due to alcohol, drug abuse, a marriage wrecked by divorce, and severe depression.

Then God answered the prayers of Gregg's family and friends. Gregg asked the Lord to change him. God gave Gregg a new heart and called him forever from the lifestyle he had been living. Gregg's marriage was restored as he and his wife, Janet, were remarried. They have three children (Aimee, Brittany, and James) and reside in Archer City, TX.

Now Gregg focuses most of his efforts on providing an Outreach program for young people. He shares the lessons he has learned in life and makes a difference in people's lives. There's no charge for the Outreach sessions; as with Francis, free-will offerings are accepted.