2008 Woodie Awards
Mule Profile: Matthew Sallese
For this Athlete, there is no 'off-season"
Kim O'Brien
Issue date: 2/8/07 Section: Sports
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Balancing multiple sports and academics is nothing new to Sallese, who lettered in baseball, football, track and basketball throughout high school in his hometown of Wakefield, Mass. Earning his high school football team's MVP award, as well as spots on two State All-Star teams, Sallese was recruited by Muhlenberg for football; however, he has proven to be a valuable asset to the Track Team as well, serving as the Men's Team Captain along with seniors Stephen Rothwell, Lex Mercado and Cameron Smith. "He didn't even compete in track until his junior and senior year of high school, but his numbers in throwing caught our attention," said Head Track and Field Coach Brad Hackett. His recent throw, a personal best of 47-0.25, puts him in fourth for Muhlenberg's all-time top performances list, and with each track meet he gets closer to the top. He is currently ranked third in the entire Centennial Conference.
"Matt has really matured as an athlete. We're really pleased with how he's progressing," stated Hackett. This progression was not an easy road. Competing freshman year was a tough adjustment for Sallese, both on the track and the football field. The weight of the shot-put increases at the Collegiate level and adjusting to this change took time and practice. Reflecting back on his freshman year of football, Sallese stated, "I remember getting my first time in as a freshman [playing defensive tackle] and thinking, 'Wow, every game is now like an All-Star game.' Everybody was good. Everybody out there was the best."
As a veteran athlete at Muhlenberg, Sallese has seen the competition levels of Centennial Conference athletics rise. He noted that in shot-put, a throw of 42 feet placed him in fourth at the Centennial Conference Championships. "Now, that throw would barely get me into finals." The same goes for football. "The league is really even," he said, noting that at many points in the season multiple teams were tied for first place. "There are no easy games. Everything really counted."
Competing year-round has its ups and downs. Sallese has dealt with his fair share of injuries, from a broken finger and shoulder injury to sprained ankles and strained hips. His senior season of football was slightly curtailed by a foot injury, requiring him to wear a sprain foot-cast. But when game time arose, the boot came off and he gave it his all. "Injuries hold you back from what you're capable of, but at the same time, you've got to keep going."