On Tuesday evening I remember giving Matt Deery a high five and a partial hug after he completed his workout. Like all of our athletes, Matt searched me out after he was finished to say thanks. I have known Matt for about 6 years. We first met when his mother brought him over to my old facility with his brother Eric. I taught and coached Eric at Phillipsburg high school. I remember one of our coaches telling me that Matt was going to be one helluva athlete. Even at that age, he had a great attitude, tremendous work ethic, and was always a pleasure to be around.
Last evening as I prepared to go to bed and finish up my day, I checked my cell phone to see if I had any missed messages. I saw that I had two unread text messages. The news that I received was mind blowing and devastating. Two of my coaching colleagues and friends told me that Matt was killed in an auto accident. I was at a loss of words and if you know me, that is something that doesn’t happen often. My mind was all over the place and my wife asked me what was wrong. She also knew Matt from my gym/track and when I told her the news she was in disbelief. The flurry of calls and messages that followed are a testament to how much Matt meant to all of us. I can’t believe he is gone.
Last night was a long night for me and I’m sure the upcoming days will be the same. I can only imagine the grief his family is feeling and it reminds me of how much my family means to me. It also reminds me of what’s important to me. If you knew Matt, you know that he was one of the most accomplished athletes in Phillipsburg high school history. He was a tremendous football and track athlete who was running track at Lipscomb University. Above him being a great athlete, he was out of this universe when it came to personality. He was always on time, ready to bring his best, and a great mentor to all of our younger athletes. What stands out the most about Matt was his ability to work with our younger athletes as a mentor. Just the other day we were walking out together and he commented how one of our younger high school athletes was going to make the 54 inch box jump that he was working on. Matt was giving him a couple of pointers on technique. He often stayed late and would put in extra and also teach our young guys. He and I would often lock up together. I’m glad that I had the extra time to get to know him beyond the typical gym setting. Matt was a very special guy and a pleasure to be around.
Like all of my athletes at FASST, Matt and I would have discussions about his goals for his sport and his life. Matt was looking forward to an outstanding track career and eventually working toward possibly becoming an accountant. He was destined for success in whatever he chose because that was the type of person he was. A winner in every sense of the word. A young man that any parent would want their own child to grow up and emulate.
It is difficult to think of the words to summarize my emotions on this whole tragic event but I would like to write a couple things on Matt and his impact on me as a person, coach, and father. As I think of the words, I can’t think of any that don’t begin with great.
- Great Person
- Great Smile
- Great Personality
- Great Athlete
- Great Friend
- Great Mentor
- Great Work Ethic
- Great Student
- Great Son
- Great Role Model
- Great Inspiration
We loved Matt Deery and even the people who only got the chance to meet Matt over the summer have become better by being around him. This week marks the conclusion of our team/pre season training. It was a tremendous summer and much of it was because we worked with Matt and the other guys who make our gym the place to be after 4:00pm. The loss of Matt has put into perspective what makes the workouts so memorable and worthwhile. It’s not because the guys are good athletes and enjoyable to watch on the playing field. It is the camaraderie, teamwork, and the relationships we build day in and day out that makes being away from my own children worthwhile. Seeing the guys become successful people in the various pursuits after they finish up their careers. The mentoring they give to our young athletes who are moving up through the ranks and following in their footsteps. Matt was a person who lived his life without regret and I know that I will always remember him as being a shining light among stars. As much as I love athletics, I love my family, athletes, and my coaches exponentially more. Without all of them, everything I or anyone else accomplishes is inconsequential. Take the extra time today to say a prayer for Matt, his family, and everyone else who has been impacted by a loss of a loved one. Make every encounter meaningful and take a lesson from Matt. Every time I was with him I left a better person, coach, father, and friend and I will be forever grateful.
My deepest heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Matt. Coach-your statement is a very personal, sensitive and loving tribute to Matt. Your life will forever be impacted by this young man and I am glad that you took the extra time to get to know him and I am sure you will carry your special relationship in your heart for the rest of your life….the pain of losing a child is something I do not wish on any family. Two years later, the pain I endure on a daily basis from losing my Matt “Matty” in a car accident on Valentine’s Day at the age 17 is at times unbearable. However, it is through the same qualities that you describe about your Matt that have been used to describe my son…and makes you get up everyday and go on. I hope you frame your statement and hang it in your gym so that everyday people remember how precious life is and that in a minute without warning life can change. My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you encounter some of the most difficult days ahead.
Thanks for you comment and I appreciate it. I am thinking of some different ways we can memorialize Matt and his impact on us at the gym. I think that is a great idea. I’m sorry to hear about your son. Stay strong and remember the good times.
God Bless. I think your blog post says it all Jason. I think the absolute worst thing a parent can have happen is the loss of a child. Perhaps one way you can create a way to remember Matt is set up a scholarship fund to be awarded to a student/athlete that would be much like Matt himself. Since Matt often helped the younger boys in the gym it would be a great way to remember him as we often forget the kindness and goodness of those who pass. It is heartbreaking to think he was so young.
Prayers are being said for his family and friends.
Lori,
I can’t believe it…Matt was just down on Tuesday and I would have never fathomed that being the last time I would see him. I am thinking of several different ways for us to keep his memory alive at my place. Thanks for the suggestion.
J