Derrick Webb, Staff Writer
WHEELERSBURG — One of the area’s most explosive playmakers has officially found a new home.
Wheelersburg’s Makya Matthews has signed with the University of Findlay to continue his academic and athletic careers.
Matthews will join the Oilers’ football program this coming fall, one that signed a total of 43 players on Wednesday.
Findlay finished 7-4 last season after a 52-45 loss to Tiffin, the nation’s No. 21 ranked team in Division II.
“Findlay just felt like home when I went up for a visit,” Matthews said. “The coaching staff is great and I love what they have going there.”
CREDIT: Renee Nemeth/SOSA
Matthews had quite the four-year career as a Pirate. The speedster finished with 1,436 rushing yards, 1,791 receiving yards and 147 tackles.
He tacked on 21 rushing scores, 15 touchdown receptions and was an imperative piece to a team that never missed the playoffs with his name on the roster.
In total, he had 4,738 all-purpose yards and 42 total touchdowns.
“I can’t say enough about my family, teammates, and coaches. All I want to do is make them proud. They have all done so much for me so that’s the least I could do,” Matthews said. “My family has been there all of my life, supporting me and motivating me. I will never be able to thank them enough. My teammates are my brothers and we act like it. We’ll tell each other how it is but at the end of the day, it’s all love. They all wanted the best for me as I wanted the best for them. They are the reason I am who I am. My coaches have done more than prepare me for this opportunity. They all want nothing but the best for me and they would support me no matter where I chose to continue my career. I will keep many of the lessons they taught me for the rest of my life. I greatly appreciate every single one of them and hope to represent them well in my career.”
Behind Matthews, the Pirates finished 8-4 this past fall and ended their season in a Week 12 matchup against Ridgewood.
Now, he’ll become an Oiler and could quite possibly see playing time during his freshman year.
Although, playing time is something he’ll have to earn once again. He’s ready for that challenge with goals already in place.
“I’m looking forward to the extreme increase in the level of play. I believe it will make me better and help me become the best player I can be,” Matthews said. “I’m also looking forward to the rings that we’re going to win the next few years at Findlay. I love the game of football and it’s just another opportunity to keep doing what I love to do.”