Conestoga’s Matt Hamilton is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week
The senior 182-pound wrestler posted a 33-8 record, finishing second at Sectionals, fourth at Regionals, and was the lone Pioneer to advance to the PIAA 3A state tournament. A three-sport athlete at Conestoga, he also plays football and rugby. The Penn State-bound Hamilton also is a member of the school’s Student Council.
Q: What do you think was your best match of the season, and why?
A: My best match this year would have to be the finals at our first tournament (pinned Cole Holland in 5:11 at the Mad Mats Tournament at Magruder High School in Maryland Dec. 7) because I had 10 takedowns against my opponent. It showed me I can really open up my offence this season, something I worked on throughout the off season.
Q: Tell us a little about your experience at the PIAA 3A state tournament at Hershey – what was your most memorable experience there?
A: Hershey was a great experience and an honor to represent my school. Getting a little vacation in March to go wrestle at the Giant Center was something I have been looking forward to since I started high school wrestling. I think my favorite part of the experience was just wrestling in front of all the fans and hanging out and bonding with my coaches.
Q: What do you consider your biggest strength on the mat and what you are working on most currently?
A: I would say my biggest strength is wrestling on my feet, I feel like I can hand fight with anyone and create angles to open up my offense, something I worked hard on with my coaches. Currently I am working on how to defend a cradle, something I struggled with in the postseason.
Q: Tell us about your start in wrestling – what sparked your initial interest? Who have been your most important wrestling mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?
A: I started wrestling in 3rd grade because someone told my mom to sign me and my brother up, but it wasn’t until my sophomore year where I found a passion for wrestling and decided that this is something I want to work hard at and excel. I would credit this to my coaches at Conestoga and my past teammates for guiding me and truly wanting to see me succeed. Also my dad and mom have been cheering me on since the beginning and support me after a win or loss.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-match preparation the day of a match.
A: On a typical match day, I always wake up and check my weight and plan out what I can eat that day to be on weight. During the day I try to focus on my school work and try not to stress about my match. After weigh-ins I like to eat just enough to fuel me for my match. I like to get a nice sweat in before my match to make sure I’m loose and confident going into the match.
Q: What do you think you would like to major in at Penn State? Is there a career field that particularly interests you at the present time?
A: I am going in undecided but leaning towards a major in Computer Science or Business. After college I really have no career field I specifically want to get into but starting my own company is something I have wanted to do since I was a kid.
Fun facts – Matt Hamilton
Favorite book: Outliers.
Favorite author: Malcolm Gladwell.
Favorite TV show: My Name is Earl.
Favorite movie: Miracle.
Favorite athlete: Carlos Ruiz.
Favorite pre-meet pump-up song: Crank that (Soulja Boy).
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: Marco Island, Fla.
Favorite pre-meet meal: Pelham’s Famous Granola.
Person I most admire, and why: “My dad for his hard work ethic.”
Family members: parents Steve and Jane, brother Michael, sister Stephanie.
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
To view a gallery of the Main Line Boys Athletes of the Week from 2013 to present click here
