Soccer standouts answer the big “five questions”

By Uriah A. Kiser

Published: April 24, 2008

The Stafford County Sun’s feature, “Five Questions,” paid a visit to Mountain View High School this week, and focused on two of the school’s standout soccer players. Senior Matt Clarkson, 18, has played for soccer for all four years of his high school career. The Washington State native currently plays right back on the team. He says he is most proud of the team’s 14-1 record so far. Senior KJ Rowe, 17, has played soccer for three years of his high school career. He currently plays the forward position for the Wildcats.

Matt Clarkson

1. How did you get involved with soccer?

Matt Clarkson: “I used to play baseball, but I threw out my arm. I tried out for soccer my freshman year and made the team.”

2. How are you perceived as a role model?

MC: “I think it’s my attitude towards stuff. I take things seriously, but I don’t yell. If I see something that is wrong, I’ll come over and talk to you about it.”

3. How do you keep focused on school and the game?

MC: “Having a good work ethic and having your priorities straight.”

4. What are your plans for college?

MC: “Old Dominion University. I’m going to try to play soccer as a walk-on.”

5. If you were an automobile, what type of would you be?

MC: “I’d be a Jeep Wrangler because it’s durable and you can go anywhere you want to with it.”

KJ Rowe

1. How did you get involved with soccer?

KJ Rowe: “Since I was five I’ve been watching it on television, so my mom signed me up for the parks and rec team.”

2. How are you perceived as a role model?

KR: “I’m more of the class clown on the team. Any dull situation I bring up; I see to it that there are no bad attitudes on the team.”

3. How do you keep focused on school and the game?

KR: “Responsiblity. College drives me to do my work in school so I can play soccer the rest of my life.”

4. What are your plans for college?

KR: “I’ve got a try-out for Radford, but I have been accepted to Ferrum College. I’ll transfer into Radford after my first semester, they have a better soccer program.”

5. If you were an automobile, what type of would you be?

KR: “I would be a Lincoln MKZ with a V8, because I’m fast and relaxed.”