Meet the Athlete: Matt Nemec
Published 9:56 am Thursday, September 18, 2014
Matt Nemec, No. 74, and the rest of Albert Lea’s offense waits for the play call Friday against Northfield. — Micah Bader/Albert Lea Tribune
Albert Lea senior aspires to be a coach, plans to major in education
Q: What year are you in school?
A: Senior.
Q: What school do you attend?
A: Albert Lea High School.
Albert Lea’s offensive line listens to the cadence Friday against Northfield at Jim Gustafson Field. From left are Dominic Fadden, Dustin Mattson and Matt Nemec. — Micah Bader/Albert Lea Tribune
Q: Who is your immediate family?
A: My dad is Russ; mom, Sheri; and brother, Travis.
Q: What sports do you play?
A: Football and track in the spring.
Q: What number are you?
A: No. 74.
Q: What is your favorite part about playing football?
A: The team camaraderie. Just having fun with my teammates, and there are a lot of fun parts about playing football.
Q: What have you learned from playing football?
A: Hard work. The work ethic you have to put in for your sport is incredible. It’s taught me that hard work goes a long way.
Q: What do you do in the offseason?
A: Weight lifting and camps.
Q: How did you get started?
A: I’ve liked football since I was a kid, and I’ve always wanted to play it. When seventh grade came around, I was ready to play. I played flag football before that.
Q: Have you always been a lineman?
A: Yes. O-line and D-line. Right now, I play tackle and defensive end. I’ve probably played every position on both sides of the line since seventh grade. They can plug me in anywhere.
Q: What sports did your family members play?
A: My dad played football a little bit. He played football in middle school and ninth grade, and then he stuck to wrestling so he could help his dad farm. My mom played tennis, and Travis is on the swim team.
Q: What are your sports-related achievements?
A: I’ve lettered in football since I was a sophomore and in track since I was a sophomore. Last year, I had shoulder surgery, so I couldn’t throw for track. I do discus and shot put.
Q: What are your sports-related goals?
A: For football, I want to keep getting better. I’d like to make All-Conference and help the team win more games. For track, I’d like to make All-Conference as well and try to get in the 140s for disc and the mid-to-upper 40s for shot.
Q: What are your college plans?
A: I haven’t decided where I’m going yet, but I’m going to major in education and get a minor in coaching for football and track. It’s a toss-up right now between Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, and Wayne State College in Wayne, Neb.
Q: What is your favorite school subject?
A: History. That’s what I want to teach. I’ve had Jim Haney for three years here as well as Kurt Barickman.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Sports. Working out and watching sports — that’s what I like to do.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: To be an NFL coach.
Q: What is your favorite TV show?
A: “How I Met Your Mother.”
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: T-bone steak.
Q: What is an interesting fact about you?
A: I played soccer in grade school.
Who’s next?
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