Christopher High School two-sport athlete Matt Adamkiewicz was just awarded the Male Athlete of the Year and a glance at his resume makes it quick to see why.
Adamkiewicz was a 4-year varsity player for football and also excelled at baseball during his time as a Christopher High School Cougar. He made sure he emphasized being a student-athlete by studying hard and putting grades first. He would go to tutors if he needed help and it showed in his GPA as he posted an above perfect GPA of 4.13.
Before high school Adamkiewicz played running back and middle linebacker who had never had any quarterback experience.
The transition to QB came when Christopher High School Head football coach Tim Pierleoni noticed that Adamkiewicz had a stellar arm.
“It was exciting, coming up as a freshman I had never thrown a ball in my life, and I threw a ball in front of Coach P ad he noticed and said ‘I want you to come out to the varsity camps and play a couple of varsity games’”
He was a positive influence to his teammates and drove them to work harder.
“He is eager to make his life and everyone around his better. Always trying to figure out how everything works and how he could do it better,” said senior and baseball teammate Nathan Fhurong.“He always wants to Rush everything and get things done right then and there without any excuses, eager Prove people wrong. The kid is going to do great things.”
The standout quarterback’s high school experience was strongly connected to his football career, his favorite high school memories are playing in front of the school on Friday nights.
Adamkiewicz will also miss the bond he had with his friends and teachers while at Christopher High School.
“I love the atmosphere, I love the teachers, they are so kind and willing to do anything for you to succeed,” Adamkiewicz said.
He had close ties and bonds with his friends as they would hang out everyday.
“We got really close the end of junior year and it came to a point where from having four blood brothers, Matt was like the 5th brother I never had,” Fhurong said.” From long bike rides random fishing trips etc. we knew we would have each other backs no matter what.”
Adamkiewicz was a competitor both on off the field, he would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
“What sets me apart from other players is my dedication and commitment to our team and my willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done.” Adamkiewicz said.
The athlete of the year wanted to leave a legacy at Christopher High School, and in the end he achieved that.
“He’s the epitome of what Christopher high School looks for in a student athlete,” said athletic director Ryan Dequin.
Adamkiewicz will go on to play quarterback at the University of the Redlands and a scholarship and continue his football career where he expected to perform.
“He’s going to excel anywhere athletically or academically.” Dequin said “He studies just as hard as he works out on the field.”