The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION OF MATTHEW KOLOJEJCHICK ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE
LUZERNE COUNTY SPORTS HALL OF FAME
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HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT
of pennsylvania
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 29, 2021
Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete and Northeastern Pennsylvania native Matthew Kolojejchick. Matthew will be inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 for his distinct athletic achievements in the sports of swimming and football. He and his fellow inductees will be honored at a reception on August 8, 2021.
Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.
In 2004, Matthew joined the Wyoming Valley West High School freshman football team as a running back and linebacker. He also joined the swim team and broke a 20-year-old school record in the 50 freestyle in his first varsity meet. At the district competition, he won gold in both the 50 and 100 freestyle, and he went on to the state competition where he competed in the consolations. After transferring to Bishop Hoban High School for his sophomore year, he stood out as a running back on the football field. In the pool for the Argents, he won two district gold medals in the 50 freestyle and the 100 breaststroke. At States, he broke the existing PIAA 100 breaststroke record but fell short in the final touch and won the silver medal. As a junior, he dominated the football field as a running back and linebacker, leading the entire Wyoming Valley Conference in rushing yards. In swimming, Matthew once again excelled at Districts, winning gold in his leading events, the 50 freestyle and the 100 breaststroke; he went on to become the state champion in the 50 freestyle.
For his senior year, Matthew transferred back to Wyoming Valley West to play football under local legend, coach George Curry. He helped lead the team to a one-loss season and to the state playoffs. In the first game of the playoff series, he rushed for seven touchdowns against the undefeated Delaware Valley. In the next game against Parkland, a team that had not been scored on in seven games, Matthew scored two touchdowns. For a second year, he led the entire conference in rushing, and he set five school records: most touchdowns in a season, most rushing yards in a season, most rushing yards in a game, most touchdowns in a game, and most 200-yard rushing games in a season.
Matthew's lifelong dream was to play Division I college football, and he chose to forgo his senior swim season to make that dream a reality. He received several 1 AA college football scholarship offers before ultimately accepting a full scholarship to the University of Rhode Island where he was red-shirted his first year. His sophomore year, Coach Butch Davis of the University of North Carolina offered him a spot as a preferred walk-on. He made the team and played back up running back and as a special team player for kickoff and punt return/
coverage. He played in two bowl games with the Tar Heels: the Music City Bowl in 2010 in a win against Tennessee and the Advocare Bowl in 2011 in a Joss against Missouri.
It is an honor to recognize Matthew on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 133
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
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