In every athlete’s career there are defining moments that stay with them. On the surface, they might seem simple, but upon reflection and understanding, shrewd athletes are able to recognize them for what they are: valuable lessons.
Hawthorne High School senior Laith Matari is talented, funny (a Google search shows he ran for “Mr. Hawthorne” last year, performing a comedy routine) and has discovered key truths in multiple moments.
Like the time Matari was racing against Joe McCabe of Glen Rock in the mile this spring. They had run against each other for years and in the race previously, McCabe had kicked with 300 meters to go and blew by Matari in the mile.
A cousin advised Matari that the next time they raced he should kick sooner. It was practical advice, but a light went on for Matari and he executed the strategy perfectly and won the race.
“It wasn’t just that it was a good feeling of winning, it was that I used the strategy,” said Matari. “That was the moment I really got into track and knew it was something I would enjoy.”
Matari has had these moments on the soccer pitch as well. His athletic story may end on the track, but it starts with a soccer ball.
He recalls his antics as a young soccer player, enjoying a moment of victory with a friend. He remembers being a starter as a freshman for the Bears (so he will likely be a four-year starter). And his mind can vividly see his dramatic goal as a sophomore in the Passaic County Tournament against Wayne Valley, squeezing past two defenders in the open field.
And he remembers the pain. Last soccer season vying for another loose ball in a preseason game and his right foot got stepped on and he felt a jolt.
“He was still willing to do whatever it took to win even though he wasn’t 100 percent,” said Bears head soccer coach Ryan McMann. “He never wanted to come off the field even though it was clear he wasn’t himself. When I would take him off he would still encourage and lead from the sidelines.”
It wasn’t until four weeks later when Matari was involved in another collision that resulted in a concussion that Matari had his foot evaluated. He had broken a toe and played on it. But now he had to deal with the concussion.
“If I could make a wish, it would be for no one to ever get a concussion,” said Matari with a slight laugh. “It wasn’t awful, but bad enough that I had to miss school, and you know, junior year there is a lot stress that I would miss out on things and not be able to play.”
Thankfully, all the symptoms abated and Matari is clearheaded going forward. That means making a decision about his college future, and while he admits that soccer will always be a passion (he’s still crestfallen about Brazil’s loss in the World Cup), he sees track as his next step.
“I think track is probably where his future lies though with his level of determination and work ethic, he would be successful at whatever he dedicated himself to,” said McMann.
Matari was going to compete with his club track team at the AAU Nationals this week, running the 400, 800, doing a relay and throwing the javelin. He said the clock doesn’t lie, and he believes track can be the key to getting an excellent college education.
Matari’s next big moment has come.
In his own words
Matari reflects on his high school career:
“Condensing the past three years of high school, I can describe it in these few words; stressful, growth and connections. As tiresome as being stressed can be, the stress one endures transcends into growth and that growth helps mold you as a person. Through this newly molded person, you begin to make connections like you could not believe. Connections with individuals, as well as connections with incomparable moments, such as being elated when a ball is just teasing for you to go get it in open play, the connection among a relay team when the anchor finishes in victory and most of all the connection you make to your education and its endless potential. Truly, the connections that will forever be timeless for me is becoming so close with such a wide variety of people, ranging from; educators, administrators, students in my school and students in others. What I accredit the connections with these individuals that I was able to procure is my diverse background and upbringing that has only lead to me being capable of making those connections. Connections that have been made because of who I am and connections that have directly made me who I am.”
