Jonn Mathews
Outside Linebacker
6’2″ 215
High School Coach: Dave Scwartz
High School, Class: Essexville-Garber, B
College: Grand Valley State University
Jonn Mathews was a three year varsity football player, and a two year starter for Essexville-Garber High School. In Jonn’s junior year, he played Defensive End, where he helped Garber to a TVC East Championship, and an undefeated regular season. His season earned him All Conference honors at Defensive End. In his Senior football season, Jonn played both sides of the ball, starting at inside linebacker and tight end. He led Garber to their first play-off win and a District Championship. For his play on the field, Jonn earned All Conference honors at inside linebacker and at tight end. At the end of the year, Jonn led the county in receptions and receiving yards with 48 receptions for 814 yards at tight end. Jonn also led his team with 137 tackles, 11 for loss. Jonn was voted by his teammates and his coaches as the team’s MVP. Jonn was selected to be on the Bay City Times “Dream Team” and state honors.
Jonn was also an accomplished high school basketball player. He was second in Bay County in scoring with an average of 22.3 points, 16.7 rebounds and 5 assists. Jonn was selected All Conference his junior and senior years, and All State his senior year. Mathews was also selected to the Bay City Times “Dream Team” in basketball his Junior and Senior years.
Jonn will major in Criminal Justice or Education at GVSU.
Jonn thanked, “God first and foremost for all the blessings that I have received.” He thanked his older sister, Christy, “for always being there in times of need, and for bringing forgotten football pads to practice when I left them at home.” His mother, Carol, “for the hundreds of trips back and forth to practices for the past 14 years, and for supporting me during athletics.” He thanked his younger sister, Amanda, for all of the tee shirts and posters she made supporting her brother. A special thanks went to his grandparents, aunts and uncles and to his brother in law, Jim Miller, and Garber’s whole coaching staff for all of their help and support, especially Dave Schwartz. Jonn also thanked, “best friends Thomas Holmes and Sam Ramirez and Tony Neymeiyer for all of the fun times relaxing in your basement.” He included the Neymeiyer and the Boon households for all of their help and support. Lastly he thanked his teammates in every sport that, “I have ever played with and against because you helped me get better everyday and to be where I am today.”
Awards
All Conferenc Defensive End, 2002
All Conference Inside Linebacker, 2003
All Conference Tight End, 2003
Dream Team, Bay City Times, 2003