Matt Kolojejchick grew up playing multiple sports as a child but, in high school he distinguished himself as an elite football player and swimmer in our area. In 2004, Matt played football on the Wyoming Valley West’s Freshman Team. He played on both sides of the ball as a running back and linebacker. Matt transitioned to swimming and broke a 20-year old WVW 50 Freestyle record in his first varsity meet. Matt won gold at Districts in both the 50 & 100 Freestyle. He participated in States and swam in the consolations. Matt transferred to Bishop Hoban High School his sophomore year playing half the football season and making an immediate impact at running back. He swam for the Argents and won gold at Districts in the 50 Freestyle and 100 Breaststroke. At States, Matt broke the existing PIAA 100 Breaststroke record but was out touched in the finals winning the silver medal. In his junior year, Matt started at running back and linebacker. At the end of the season, Matt led the entire Wyoming Valley Conference (A – AAAA) in rushing with over 1200 yards. Matt swan again for his team winning gold at Districts in the 50 Freestyle and 100 Breaststroke. At States, Matt became a State Champion winning the 50 Freestyle. He followed with a bronze medal in the 100 Breaststroke. Matt transferred back to Wyoming Valley West his senior year of high school and played football for Coach George Curry an area icon. Matt was instrumental in leading the Spartans to a one loss season and into the State Playoffs. During the first playoff game against undefeated Delaware Valley, he rushed for 7 touchdowns (which tied an area record for the most TD’s in a game) and had a 67 yard touchdown run called back on a penalty. The win vaulted the Spartans to another playoff game against the Lehigh Valley powerhouse Parkland who hadn’t been scored on in 7 games. Matt had two TD’s including one for 71 yards in a close contest. Matt for the second year in a row led the entire conference in rushing and set 5 WVW School Records: Most TD’s in a Season (34), Most Rushing Yards in a Season (2286), Most Rushing Yards in a Game (386), Most TD’s in a Game (7) and Most 200 Yard Rushing Games in a Season (5). Matt did not swim his senior year focusing on playing college football. Matt received several 1AA College Football Scholarship Offers and accepted a full ride to the University of Rhode Island and was red shirted his first year. The following year Matt was offered the opportunity to play at the University of North Carolina as a preferred walk on by Coach Butch Davis. Matt played for the Tar Heels as a backup running back and special team player. Matt played on the team’s Kickoff and Punt Return/Coverage for two years winning a scholarship from Coach Davis. Matt also played in two Bowl games (2010 Music City Bowl win against Tennessee and a 2011 Advocare Bowl loss against Missouri). Matt fulfilled his dream by playing Division 1 Football. Matt was married in September 2019 to his college sweetheart Breana Thomas. Matt currently resides in Atlanta and works as a supervisor in Workers Compensation for the State of Georgia. He also trains adults and youth in physical fitness and personal training.