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Saco teacher breaks third Guinness world record
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Saco Middle School teacher Ryan Martin throws a basketball as he attempts a Guinness World Record on Monday. PHOTO BY ANN FISHER
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Tue, Nov 11, 2025 |
The gym at Saco Middle School was full and energy was high as teacher Ryan Martin got ready to achieve his third Guinness World Record on Nov. 10.
The well-liked physical education teacher did not
disappoint. He not only broke the record for the Most High School
Three-Pointers Made in One Hour, he beat it. The targeted number was 1,370,
roughly 23 baskets a minute, or one every 2.5 seconds. When the allotted time
limit was up, he made 1,516 baskets of 1,710 shots, or 89%.
When asked if his new record would be easy to beat,
he replied, “I do think it should stand for a while but I think records are
made to be broken.”
Martin
also holds the record for the Most Free Throws Made in One Hour. He set the
record at2,494, which still stands. A
free throw is a line that is 15 feet away from the hoop. A 3-pointer is 6 feet
farther from the hoop than a free throw, which is why the record number is
lower.
In
addition, Martin achieved the Most NBA 3's made in one hour. The record was
1,077 and he made 1,086. An NBA 3-pointer is 4 feet farther from the regular
3-point line.
Martin said the protocol Guiness World Records has in
place for attempting to break a record begins by applying to GWR; it takes
three to six months to review and accept the application.
“That (Most NBA 3’s) is just about official,” he said. “Should be any day!”
Martin
is not done breaking records. His next attempt will be Most Half Court Shots
Made in One Hour, which, he said, is about 24 feet farther than the NBA 3
pointer!”
After attending the University of Maine and Keene
State College in New Hampshire, Martin was drafted by the PEI Storm National
Basketball League of Canada. He was then traded to the Brampton A’s in Ontario.
Martin played pro basketball for three years before injuries ended his pro ball
career.
“I
always dreamed of playing in the NBA,” Martin said. “The reality, though, is
that the NBA is a completely different level — it’s not only for players who
are incredibly skilled, but for those rare athletes who combine elite size,
athleticism, and skill. At 5'9”, there have only been a handful of players in
history to make it to that level.”
Martin said he started dribbling when he was 3 or 4 years old and played his first game when he was about 6. His first score was in the wrong basket, he said with a chuckle.
“Growing
up, I dedicated countless hours to developing my basketball skills — especially
shooting —and keeping myself in top
physical condition,” Martin said. “Those two things helped me stand out and
eventually earn the opportunity to play professionally in the NBL of Canada.”
This is Martin’s 11th year teaching physical
education, and the first year he’s been at Saco Middle School. He’s also a
shooting coach at St. Joseph’s College of Maine in Standish and has a
business called Doctor Buckets, where he teaches shooting to kids across the
country. Dr. Buckets is also the name of his support team.
“In the last year I found this hobby of trying to
break the shooting world record,” Martin said. “It’s been a fun start to the
year.”
Originally from Wayne, Maine, Martin and his fiance now reside in North Yarmouth.
The idea of breaking records began in 2024, when a
friend mused about whether Martin was as good as the best in the NBA.
It “blew up” after someone posted a video on social
media about his first attempt at breaking a record, which he missed by 20
makes. “I went for it again,” Martin said. “One thousand people showed up.”
A representative from GWR did not attend the Monday
night event, but specific guidelines were followed: two cameras aimed at
different angles, measuring the hoop and making sure all basketballs are at the
right pressure. After the evidence is sent it takes a few months to accept or
deny the attempt, according to Martin.
Martin’s success means he will receive another certificate from Guinness World Records. Cash prizes are no longer awarded.
Only 5% of record-breaking events make it into the
book. “The more impressive, the better the story, the better the chances are of
being in the book,” Martin said, adding that his story is likely to get in the
book because he’s a teacher.
“Once
I have all four of these records broken, the plan will be to beat some of these
records in a 24-hour span. For example, the most free throws made in 24 hours
is over 21,000!”
He
said the world-record challenges are a natural fit for him because they test
two things he’s been training for his entire life: shooting accuracy and
stamina.
“For
me, it’s not about proving I belong in the NBA — it’s about pushing the limits
of what’s possible in my own craft, inspiring others to chase their goals, and
showing my students that success can take many different forms.”
The takeaway for his students in his quest to break
records includes the importance of finding a passion; the value of embracing
failure and the realization that they can be lifelong learners.
Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray, who began his
career as a physical education teacher, said in a pre-event press release that
the event highlights the power of passion and perseverance.
“Ryan’s dedication to his craft and to his
students—is truly inspiring,” said Ray. “As someone who loves watching my own
daughter play basketball, I know how much the game can teach about focus,
teamwork, and resilience. Ryan embodies all of that, and I’m thrilled our
community gets to cheer him on as he goes for another record.”
Ann Fisher is a freelance journalist based in Saco. She can be reached at 432-7483.