[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 133 (Thursday, July 29, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF MATTHEW KOLOJEJCHICK ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE 
                   LUZERNE COUNTY SPORTS HALL OF FAME

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                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 29, 2021

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete 
and Northeastern Pennsylvania native Matthew Kolojejchick. Matthew will 
be inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 for his 
distinct athletic achievements in the sports of swimming and football. 
He and his fellow inductees will be honored at a reception on August 8, 
2021.
  Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who 
have brought fame and recognition to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 
through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic 
endeavors.
  In 2004, Matthew joined the Wyoming Valley West High School freshman 
football team as a running back and linebacker. He also joined the swim 
team and broke a 20-year-old school record in the 50 freestyle in his 
first varsity meet. At the district competition, he won gold in both 
the 50 and 100 freestyle, and he went on to the state competition where 
he competed in the consolations. After transferring to Bishop Hoban 
High School for his sophomore year, he stood out as a running back on 
the football field. In the pool for the Argents, he won two district 
gold medals in the 50 freestyle and the 100 breaststroke. At States, he 
broke the existing PIAA 100 breaststroke record but fell short in the 
final touch and won the silver medal. As a junior, he dominated the 
football field as a running back and linebacker, leading the entire 
Wyoming Valley Conference in rushing yards. In swimming, Matthew once 
again excelled at Districts, winning gold in his leading events, the 50 
freestyle and the 100 breaststroke; he went on to become the state 
champion in the 50 freestyle.
  For his senior year, Matthew transferred back to Wyoming Valley West 
to play football under local legend, coach George Curry. He helped lead 
the team to a one-loss season and to the state playoffs. In the first 
game of the playoff series, he rushed for seven touchdowns against the 
undefeated Delaware Valley. In the next game against Parkland, a team 
that had not been scored on in seven games, Matthew scored two 
touchdowns. For a second year, he led the entire conference in rushing, 
and he set five school records: most touchdowns in a season, most 
rushing yards in a season, most rushing yards in a game, most 
touchdowns in a game, and most 200-yard rushing games in a season.
  Matthew's lifelong dream was to play Division I college football, and 
he chose to forgo his senior swim season to make that dream a reality. 
He received several 1 AA college football scholarship offers before 
ultimately accepting a full scholarship to the University of Rhode 
Island where he was red-shirted his first year. His sophomore year, 
Coach Butch Davis of the University of North Carolina offered him a 
spot as a preferred walk-on. He made the team and played back up 
running back and as a special team player for kickoff and punt return/
coverage. He played in two bowl games with the Tar Heels: the Music 
City Bowl in 2010 in a win against Tennessee and the Advocare Bowl in 
2011 in a Joss against Missouri.
  It is an honor to recognize Matthew on his induction into the Luzerne 
County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and athletic career serve as 
an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving 
for excellence.

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