Former Cottonwood coach Blair Martineau passes away
It was a tragic week for former high school boys basketball coaches in Utah.
Former Cottonwood coach Blair Martineau died on Thursday after an apparent heart attack. He was running on a treadmill, collapsed and was pronounced dead shortly after. He was 55.
Martineau was the second former high school basketball coach to pass away during the week. Former Manti coach Wilbur Braithwaite died on Monday. Funeral arrangements for Martineau are pending.
Martineau's teams at Cottonwood were known for their toughness and defense. His last great run with the Colts came in 2004 when Cottonwood, as underdogs in every round, made it to the 5A championship game, where it lost to Hunter by one point.
"He was definitely a competitor," said former Jordan coach Hal Hale. "He was a loving, caring man. He was a man of integrity. He sometimes looked a little stern, and I think people took him the wrong way. But he was a true friend. He'd do anything for you."
Martineau retired after the 2007-08 season. He was replaced by Dave McConnell, who had worked as an assistant on Martineau 's staff for a season.
"That guy made me laugh more than any other guy I ever met — he was like a comedian," McConnell said. "He had a way of telling stories. If you didn't know him, you missed out on a guy who was quick with his wit. He was fun to be around."
Martineau played basketball at Hillcrest High and at Utah State University. He worked at Cottonwood for 28 years.
