2010 All Star/West
Matt Zakrzewski
Linebacker
6’3″ 225
High School Coach: Gregory Vaughan
High School, Class: Traverse City St. Francis
College: Indiana University
Matt started playing football in the sixth grade where he played for the Traverse City Titans Pop Warner Team. On entering St. Francis High School Matt started on the JV team. Matt was pulled up to varsity for special teams during the playoffs as a freshman. As a three-year starter for the TCSF varsity he helped his team to 4 Lake Michigan Conference Championships, 4 District Championships, 3 Regional Championships as well as Division 7 Runners-up in 2007, and back-to-back Division 7 State Championships in 2008 and 2009. During his football career at GTACS he has played every position with the exception of nose guard and center. As a junior he played safety and was credited with 7 interceptions – two returned for touchdowns. During his senior year in the semi-final game Matt intercepted a pass in the end zone and ran it back 104 yards for a touchdown.
In addition to football, Matt played 4 years of basketball finishing his career with a 68-6 overall record. During his two years of track Matt participated in the 4×200 M relay, high jump, long jump, and discus. He was also a participant in both MITCA Team States and MHSAA individual State finals.
Matt said “I’d like to give credit to God for the talents and ability he has given me. I thank my parents for supporting me throughout my time playing football at St. Francis and for helping me attain one of my goals of playing college football. I also thank my football coaches for pushing me to continue to excel on the football field as well as in the classroom. I especially thank my teammates because with out them we never would have achieved back-to-back State Championship rings. I will always remember my time as a Gladiator. It has been GREAT!”
Matt graduated with a 3.5 G.P.A.. He was named all state by the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News as a junior and senior. Matt also received regional and conference recognition. Matt will continue his football career as a Hoosier at Indiana University in the fall on a football scholarship. He will study business.
Awards
Lake Michigan All Conference Safety 2008 & 2009
All Region Dream Team,
Traverse City Record Eagle, 2008 and 2009
All State Honorable Mention, Detroit Free Press, 08
All State Defensive Back, Detroit News 2008 & 09,
All-State 1st Team, Detroit Free Press, 2009
