Utah Valley center Matt Mason shares football
April 3, 2009 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Utah Blaze News Release
Orem, Utah - Utah Valley Thunder center Matt Mason understands it when his 62-year-old father, Gary, can't make it to his football games with the Thunder like he did when he played at Chaparral High School, Glendale Community College and Arizona State. "He can't actually come and watch me because he's got games now,?" Mason said. No, Gary isn't a coach. He's a player. What? "He's got a bond with the guys on his football team and because he's got that bond he?s not going to break it just for me," Matt said. "It's his football season too. I hope they win the championship." Gary, 6-foot-5, 275 pounds, currently suits up for the semi-pro Tri-City Titans (Phoenix) and they are currently 8-0 in the Copper Football League. The team is made up of players right out of high school and college, and in Gary's case, those who have their AARP cards. He's on the field-goal unit and occasionally gets in on defense. "He looks like a football player," Matt said. "He's a big, lumbering guy and then when he takes his helmet off you see all the gray hair." Matt and Gary actually played a season together for the South Phoenix Runnin" Rebels and won a championship in 2007. "Not too many people are able to say they have played football with their dad," Matt said. "I thank God every day that he is still healthy." The football bond between Matt and Gary runs deep. Gary got Matt involved with football at a young age and supported him along the way - sometimes working multiple jobs. Gary would take time off work to go and watch Matt play. "My dad put me in the football mode and I wouldn't have been able to go to college if it hadn't been for football," Matt said. "I've been fortunate." After a successful career at Chaparral High School, Matt played at neighboring Glendale Community College in 2001 and the Gauchos went on to win the NJCAA National Championship. The following year, Matt earned NJCAA All-American honors and earned a scholarship to Arizona State where he played in 15 games over the next two seasons. He was away from football for four years after Arizona State before jumping back into the semi-pro action with the Runnin' Rebels, and then the now defunct Arizona Adrenaline and now the Utah Valley Thunder. Last year he started every game at center for the Adrenaline last and blocked for current Thunder coach Chad DeGrenier, who was the starting quarterback. Matt (6-4, 280) has started both games for the Thunder (1-1) this year. "I love the excitement of the game and to be able to hit people," he said. "I consider myself a fierce competitor." The Thunder (1-1) picked up their first win in franchise history with a 55-34 victory over the New Mexico Wildcats. The Thunder will look to make it two straight when they travel to New Mexico to meet the Wildcats Monday night in Albuquerque. The game kicks off at 7 p.m.
American Indoor Football Association Stories from April 3, 2009
- Utah Valley center Matt Mason shares football - Utah Blaze
- Thunder To Debut Coaches' Show - Utah Blaze
- DC Armor Home Opener Entertainment Lineup Announced - D.C. Armor
- This Week in the AIFA Covers Week Four of 2009 AIFA Season - AIFA
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