Exemplary senior athlete Haakon Mathewson has excelled in the classroom, on the football field, and on the wrestling mat.

“Being on the wrestling and football teams felt great. It was always a lot of fun working out and competing with friends, and I always left feeling accomplished. I feel like I learned many important things about sports and about life,” Mathewson said.

Having a plethora of experience in both sports for 12 years, Mathewson was well qualified for the job of captain, leader, and role model to his teammates.

“It was an honor to be a captain and leader on both varsity teams. I had to communicate with the team, push myself and others to succeed, and take responsibility for the team’s actions,” Mathewson said.

As a result of his phenomenal leadership skills, Mathewson was decorated with numerous awards throughout his athletic career. He was a two-time all-league wrestler, a district and regional place winner, and was specifically selected to wrestle in the Lions Classic wrestling match. For football, Mathewson won the David Hopstetter 110% Award, the Sampson Lineman-of-the-Game Award, and was selected to play in the McDonald’s All-Star Game.

“When I heard my name called for each award, it just felt great. It was such a privilege to receive the awards and I was happy that all of my hard work I put in was paying off,” Mathewson said.

With a drive to continue his wrestling career, Mathewson plans to wrestle at the collegiate level.

“I love wrestling and it has become a part of who I am. I also want to continue to improve and become the best I can be,” Mathewson said. “I am really looking forward to wrestling at a higher level, as well as tackling tougher opponents, and just getting better in general.”

Mathewson will compete at Centenary University, and also pursue environmental science this fall.

“I wanted to major in environmental science primarily because I love the outdoors, and I want to work to help preserve it, that way others can enjoy it too,” Mathewson said.

To prepare for his major, Mathewson has been taking rigorous science classes throughout his high school career, racking up a total of five science credits, as well as doing lengthy research on his own.

“I have learned a lot of valuable information through my science classes in high school. When I saw, heard, or found an interesting idea or topic, I took it upon myself to delve into it further on my own time,” Mathewson said.

After years of rigorous work, Mathewson has certainly secured a bright future for himself.