Continuing my series of interviews I did for Patriot League media day, we continue with senior RB Matt McGowan, the Mountain Hawk running back that looks to be doing some inside running now that he's (finally) healthy.LFN: Tell me a little about your background.
MMG: I played at Hazelton Area high school which is about an hour away from Bethlehem, had a pretty good high school career, chose to attend the University of Richmond on full scholarship.
LFN: Why did you choose to transfer?
MMG: It really didn’t feel like a good fit when I was there, so I chose to transfer to Lehigh after my freshman year. I really wanted to be closer to friends and family – it was pretty far to go to Richmond, a seven hour drive as opposed to only being an hour away from home.
I was recruited by Lehigh pretty heavily throughout my high school career with coach Lembo’s coaching staff before coach Coen was here, and I had good relationships with all of those coaches, so I always kept my mind open to Lehigh.
LFN: Let’s talk about your time at Lehigh. Last year you spent a lot of time injured. Everything feel better now?
MMG: Yeah, everything finally back to 100%. Everything’s going well. We’ve worked really well this offseason, it’s probably the best offseason this team has had. About 60% of the upperclassmen stayed over the summer.
LFN: Anything you’re planning to do to keep from reinjuring yourself?
MMG: I think the injury that I had has completely healed, but I’m going to do my best to keep stretching and keep flexible and if I feel anything I’m going to try to take it easy.
LFN: Describe your style as a runner.
MMG: Most people say I’m a bruising kind of back, but I don’t really look at myself that way. I like to say that I’m diversified – I can run inside the tackles, but I can also run outside too. I prefer to run inside, though – I’m more comfortable inside the tackles.
LFN: As a running back, you’re probably been following the progress of your offensive line…
MMG: Our strength and conditioning coaches have done a great job with everyone – it’s a noticeable size difference on our team and everyone’s gotten a lot quicker. Most of our offensive line has been here the entire summer working out, and guys have really, really worked their butts off.
LFN: Tell me a little bit about being a part of “The Rivalry”.
MMG: Playing in it is really as big a deal as everyone makes it out to be. I mean, it’s an unbelievable experience and one of the best things you’ll ever experience as a college football player. It’s hyped up so much throughout the season and offseason, and being that they beat us the past four years in a row, it makes the game that much more meaningful. It’s a motivating point.
LFN: Last year was the first graduating Lehigh class to lose all four years in “The Rivalry” since the 1950’s.
MMG: Trust me, we’re aware of that.
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