KFDM COOP Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 WO-S' Matherne to play in All-Star game Van Wade The Orange Leader WEST ORANGE — West Orange-Stark’s adopted “Texan†will get to strut his stuff one more time representing the Mustangs. Muastang offensive lineman Tim Matherne (6-1, 258) will participate for the South Team at the Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Football Game Tuesday, July 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Matherne may still talk in his Cajun Louisiana tongue, but he bleeds Blue and Silver. “It’s going to be a great feeling to represent West Orange-Stark for a final time,†said Matherne. “This school and our program has meant so much to me the last three years. I have a lot of people to thank for helping me turn into a man.†Matherne moved into the WO-S school district during his sophomore campaign after Hurricane Katrina forced Matherne and his family to evacuate from his native Louisiana. Then, just a few weeks later Hurricane Rita visited Southeast Texas. “Man, those were some trying times,†Matherne said. “So many things were happening around us. One thing for sure, WO-S welcomed my family with open arms and we’ll forever be grateful.†Folks that weren’t grateful were opposing defenses. Matherne picked up all-district honors all three years at WO-S but his senior year was extra special as he made ALl-State on both the Texas Sportswriters All-State Team but the Sports Editor Team as well. Matherne posted well over 100 “pancakes†during his senior campaign and when the Mustangs needed some tough yards they always seemed to go through No. 77 to get them. The Mustang offense churned out nearly 368 yards a game with 262 of it coming on the ground. “We really controlled things up front this year,†said Matherne. “We ran the ball more this year than in the first two years and us offensive lineman, we like that. We can really unload and wipeout people.†Matherne also had the pleasure for blocking for such Mustang greats like Kenneth Beasley, Earl Thomas and DePauldrick Garrett, who became the school’s all-time leading rusher last season. “I’ve lined up with some of the best that’s ever played here and that was an advantage,†said Matherne. “It never took much of an opening for those guys to bust through and take it to the house. We always had a good quarterback and our receivers have been awesome too. They could make things happen on their own but the offensive line had a lot to do with it too.†Matherne is just part of a long tradition of Mustangs that have played in the All-Star game as such former standouts like Kevin Smith, Gayron Allen, Beasley and Thomas have played in the event. However, Matherne is the first offensive lineman. “Tim is so deserving of the honor,†said long-time Mustang head coach Dan Hooks. “Offensive lineman might be the toughest spot to earn on the roster. What the coaches told me they liked the most about Tim was the way he stayed on his blocks and his energy. He never rested any downs. He was all-out all the time. We’re so proud of him and happy that he wanted to be a Mustang.†All WO-S accomplished with Matherne in the lineup was a 34-4 record and three straight district titles. “I’ll always take the memories I have here with me,†said Matherne. “Our record, that’s pretty unbelievable when you think about it. You go out there every game thinking you’re not going to lose and that was always an awesome feeling.†Matherne feels like no other team around has the work ethic of the Mustangs. “When you play here, it’s a pride thing, knowing that you lasted through all of those tough offseason workouts, and hot practices,†Matherne said. “Not everyone can do the type of workouts we do here. We’ve got guys that didn’t make it here that are good athletes but couldn’t take out of those type of things. If you survive it, you love it. I just can’t show enough appreciation for everything our coaching staff has done for me. I’m definitely tougher for playing in a such a program, plus I feel like I’m much more of a well-rounded person.†Matherne is excited about matching up against some of the state’s finest come July 29. He is also the only Golden Triangle player participating this year. “It’ll be a fun challenge for me,†said Matherne. “A lot of those guys will be playing at schools like Texas and Texas A&M. I’m just going to go out and give it my best. It will be a college-type atmosphere and that will give me a taste of that.†Matherne will head back over the Sabine River to play for Louisiana College in Pineville next fall. “I can’t wait to get into the swing of things in college,†said Matherne. “I’m ready to hit the books and meet new people. The football program there is on the rise. We’re getting anew field and everything. I’m really excited about it.†There’s no doubt, though, that Matherne will be keeping up with his Mustangs from time to time. “I may not have been here for a long time, but I will always be a Mustang,†said Matherne. “To represent the school on the field one more time is going to be great. Anywhere I go though, I will always be represented West Orange-Stark.†One thing for sure, WO-S fans will be rooting on their former standout come July 29 with a few shout outs of “Geaux Tim.â€
Gabe Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 I gotta pick on my boss Van doing football during baseball season . Great story and glad to see WOS represented by Matherne, hes a great player
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