With hopes of becoming part of a championship bound team, Friendswood native and freshman wide receiver, Matt McLaren, is one of several new players on the Lions football team this season.
Graduating from Friendswood High School this past June, McLaren was recruited by Coach Kevin Barbay, who works with the Lions’ quarterbacks and receivers. Choosing to major in kinesiology and possibly minor in business, McLaren is ready to tackle a few basics this semester, while also being an active player.
McLaren, who was on the all-district football team for three years in high school, was part of the varsity team at FHS for three years as a wide receiver, before deciding to come to Texas A&M University-Commerce.
During his time at FHS, he also played several other sports, including varsity baseball and track, going to the state tournament with baseball his senior year.
“He was a great player for us. He set a lot of our records,” Steve VanMeter, head football coach at FHS said. “He just found a way to get it done.”
According to McLaren’s mother Sheri Contella, he played every sport available to him throughout his high school career, and excelled at them all.
“He could have easily chosen several other sports. However, once he reached high school, he knew he had to make a choice and focus on the sport he wanted to play in college,” Contella said. “Football has been his favorite since he started playing youth football for the Friendswood Colts.”
Approached with football offers from all of the military schools and several other colleges, McLaren was still certain A&M-Commerce was the right decision for the start of his college football career.
“Once on the A&M-Commerce campus for an invite, Matt knew that it was the place he wanted to play ball,” Lynn McLaren, Matt’s father said. “Coach Conley and Coach Barbay are great coaches and extremely persuasive.”
From an early age, McLaren was interested in playing football at the college level. He started playing sports when he was close to eight years old and was able to catch on quickly.
“I am proud of all of Matt’s accomplishments throughout his high school career, but I am most proud of the commitment he has made to go to college,” Lynn said. “Getting a college degree is fantastic, but getting a college degree and playing football at the college level is like icing on the cake.”
Although McLaren now dedicates a lot of his time to Lion athletics and becoming an integral part of the team, he also enjoys hunting, playing the acoustic guitar, fishing and several other sports, including golf.
“Matt has had the drive and determination to achieve whatever he sets his mind to,” Contella said. “He is well grounded and focused on becoming a key player for the Lions this year. As a parent, there is nothing greater than seeing your child succeed at living out his dream.”