Write down the name Matt Keegan and remember it in a few years when he’s wrestling on the varsity at Sachem North. The Cayuga fourth grader recently won a New York State Youth Wrestling Championship and earned All-State honors.
“Matt and his three siblings are stand outs in every way,” said Cayuga teacher Kevin Tougher, “in academics and athletics, but also in how they treat their peers and teachers with great kindness and respect.”
RELATED: Read more about Keegan’s win and a post-season youth wrestling recap
What they’re saying about Matt …
Matthew Wells, Cayuga Principal: “Matt is an all-star on and off of the wrestling mat. He is extremely conscientious and a leader amongst his peers. There is no doubt that Matt will continue to make us proud in the years to come! Congratulations Matt!”
Mom, Michelle: “As a child, I grew up watching my brother wrestle and thought that was exciting. As an adult, when I watched my own son get out on that mat, just him and his opponent with no team to rely on, and win a championship like this, it’s a feeling of pride that in indescribable. Matthew proves what a wonderful boy he is every time he wins. Instead of boasting, he is humble and low key. He says ‘he doesn’t want his opponents to feel bad’. His compassion and love towards people makes me more proud than anything. During a tournament one of Matthews opponents mothers approached my husband. She said ‘Every time my son sees that he has to wrestle yours, he knows he’s going to lose, but he never minds getting on the mat with him. He tells me that Matthew helps him be a better wrestler and he’s always so nice to him after the match. You have a great kid.”
Dad, Brian: “One of the things I constantly here about Matthew, from all of his coaches, in every sport he plays, is that he is very focused, intently listens to their instruction and looks at them. He then attempts to apply the new move or play, and practices it until he can do it. He is a very focused kid. He has been telling us since last year that he was going to win the county tournament. I don’t think he even thought of winning the states, but as the opportunity presented itself, he was ready! He was mentally prepared and focused. He went at it one match at a time. His determination to be the best at whatever he does is what intrigues me as his father and makes me very proud.”
Brother, Bryan, 13: “Watching my brother, Matthew, grow up is an amazing experience. Throughout the years he has grown to be more athletic, stronger, smarter, as well as, a lot of other things. He works hard at everything, from sports to school. He recently placed 1st in the New York State wrestling tournament. Although he can get on my bad side, I’m very proud to call him my little brother and I look forward to supporting him in his future. He’s an amazing person, student, and athlete. He’s also very friendly and caring. So I guess you can say he takes after his big brother!”
