2008 All Star West
Matt Forward
Defensive Line
6’ 290 lbs
High School Coach: John Shillito
High School, Class: Zeeland West, A
College: Northern Michigan University
Matt started his football career in fiftth grade as a running back in the Zeeland Rocket Football League. In high school Matt was a three-year, two-way starter for the Zeeland West Varsity Dux. As a junior, he helped propel the Dux to become the MHSAA Division 4 State Champions in 2006. As a senior captain he helped lead the team to the Division 4 Semifinals in 2007.
Matt can be found in the weight room year round. Matt also lettered in wrestling and track and field . He made appearances at the MHSAA Individual State Meets in both sports in 2006. He holds many of the records at ZWHS in both shot-put and in the weight room.
Matt thanked, “My Mom for her encouragement and loyalty, my Dad for pushing me to be the best player I could be, and my brother Nate for being my biggest fan.” Matt also thanked all his family and friends for their support over the years. “I would also like to thank Coach Shillito, Coach Vredevoogd and the entire ZW coaching staff and my teammates for a great three years. It’s been an awesome ride!”
Matt will continue his academic and football careers at Northern Michigan University. Go Wildcats!
Awards
All Area, Holland Sentinel, 2006 & 2007
Player of the Year, Holland Sentinel, 2007
All Area, Zeeland Record, 2007
Dream Team, Grand Rapids Press, 2006 & 2007
All OK Green Conference, Honorable Mention 2005
All OK Green Conference, 2006 & 2007
Michigan Great 8 Prep Football Offensive Lineman Region 2 – 2007
Dream Team, Detroit News and Detroit Free Press, 2007
All State, Associated Press, 2006 & 2007