Football: Top Performer of the Week Matt Slee

MATT SLEE

Lemont senior wide receiver Matt Slee received 1,229 of the 3,179 votes cast (38.66 percent) in the Herald-News online poll for our top performer of the week in football. Minooka offensive tackle Derek Wentworth was second with 932 votes (29.32 percent).

Sports editor Dick Goss talked with Slee, who caught six passes for 72 yards and two touchdowns in the Indians' 42-6 victory over Lakes in the second round of the Class 5A state playoffs.

Goss: Congratulations on winning our online poll. How do you feel about that?

Slee: Awesome. I knew I was getting support from some family and friends, but I didn't know it was that much.

Goss: On Saturday in the quarterfinals, your team is facing Phillips, which many consider the best team in 5A.

Slee: We have to give them all the credit in the world. They'll be a big challenge. They have a lot of athleticism and speed, but really, they're great all-around. Phillips and Batavia [which beat Lemont, 21-0, in Week 1] have to be the two best teams we will have played this year. We just have to prepare for them the best we can.

Goss: You guys have been playing better and better as the season has gone on.

Slee: We started slow, especially offensively. Our offense is coming together now. Our defense has been strong all year. We're playing our best football now.

Goss: How do you celebrate victories?

Slee: Every Saturday, my dad and I go to Hooters.

Goss: Whose idea was that?

Slee: It was kind of both of us.

Goss: Any other favorite restaurants?

Slee: We go to Fox's Pub every Wednesday.

Goss: Have you always been a receiver?

Slee: I've played football since second grade and was a quarterback growing up. I switched to receiver when I got to high school.

Goss: Who are your closest friends on the team?

Slee: Tyler Gray and Brady Janas, they're both cornerbacks. I grew up playing football with them.

Goss: Other sports?

Slee: I play baseball, play third base. We were really good last year. We beat Joliet Catholic in the regional, then we lost to Oak Forest in the sectional.

Goss: Do you plan to play either sport in college.

Slee: I always wanted to play a sport in college, but recently I decided I would rather go to school and not play a sport. I've applied to 10 schools now. Right now, Arizona, Arizona State, Tampa and the U of I are on my list. I want to study political science or pre-law.

Goss: Your GPA?

Slee: 3.8.

Goss: In your free time, what do you enjoy doing?

Slee: Hanging with friends. I watch a lot of sports, especially football. I also watch movies sometime and a few TV shows.

Goss: Any favorite movies or TV shows?

Slee: Nothing in particular.