Meet the Athlete: Matt Bera

Published 9:53 am Thursday, October 10, 2013

Albert Lea senior forward decides to take up swimming

Matt Bera, a senior on the Albert Lea boys’ soccer team, stands on the Tigers’ practice field on Monday. — Micah Bader/Albert Lea Tribune

Matt Bera, a senior on the Albert Lea boys’ soccer team, stands on the Tigers’ practice field on Monday. — Micah Bader/Albert Lea Tribune

Q: What year are you in school?

A: Senior.

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Q: What school do you attend?

A: Albert Lea.

 

Q: Who is your immediate family?

A: My mother is Sandy, father is Bob and I have two older brothers Nick and Stephen.

 

Q: What sports are you involved in?

A: Soccer, and I’m going to be in swimming this year too. I’ve been playing soccer all four years, but this will be my first year swimming. I thought I’d try something new.

 

Q: What is your favorite part of playing soccer?

A: I just love playing soccer — just the rush of it and being able to be out on the field to do amazing things.

 

Q: What has playing soccer taught you?

A: It’s taught me that no matter what, you always need to keep going. Even if the score is against you, you need to keep going with your head held high.

 

Q: What number are you?

A: No. 22.

 

Q: How did you get started in soccer?

A: I started playing when I was 4. It clicked, and I kept going through it.

 

Q: What sports did your family members play?

A: My brother Nick plays soccer at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, and my brother Stephen used to play soccer at Albert Lea. My dad played soccer and was in wrestling.

 

Q: What are your sports-related achievements?

A: I won an award for being the most positive group member.

 

Q: What are your sports-related goals? 

A: I want to score at least one goal during the section playoffs. Hopefully, we can make it all all the way through.

 

Q: What are your college plans?

A: It’s a tie between Winona State University and Bethany Lutheran College. I’ll be going for accounting, and I’ll also play soccer in my spare time.

 

Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete? Why?

A: David Beckham. It’s amazing what he can do. He has a lot of moves.

 

Q: What is your favorite school subject? 

A: Choir. I love to sing, and I like the Beatles.

 

Q: Who is your favorite teacher? 

A: Neal Skaar. He’s an amazing teacher, and he’s helped me a lot in math and English.

 

Q: What are your hobbies? 

A: I love to act. I’m in theatre right now.

 

Q: What is your dream job?

A: Accounting, because it comes easy to me. Once I get the formulas, I can figure it out.

 

Q: What is your favorite TV show?

A: “Mythbusters.” It’s interesting to see if the things they look into are plausible or not.

 

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Meat-lovers pizza.

 

Q: What is an interesting fact about you?

A: I like to wear kilts, and I have one from England.