Eagles Spotlight: Matt Campbell '20, wrestling
Matt Campbell '20 has been an important part of the Eagles wrestling team for the past six years
Matt Campbell ‘20 of Highlands, NC has been a part of the Rabun Gap wrestling program for six years.
When he’s not wrestling, he serves as the senior class president and runs on the varsity cross country team.
What is the best part about wrestling for the Eagles wrestling team?
Just seeing how we have gotten better each year and going from a team that was very subpar to definitely one of Rabun Gap’s most dominant sports. I don't really view it as a team but more just a bunch of my brothers doing what we all love.
What has been the most exciting match/meet so far for you?
Junior year at the state tournament when I placed third in the state! It was an awesome feeling to come back and win that side of the bracket and get my last match of the season with a huge hand raise.
What led you to come to wrestle at Rabun Gap?
When Cole Owens (‘20) bear-hugged me in the hallway and told me if I joined there would be more of that - I instantly wanted to learn more.
What is the hardest part of being a student-athlete? How has the environment and people here at Rabun Gap helped you?
Keeping your weight where it needs to be is always a struggle of the sport. While our friends pound a burger we normally watch what we eat to wrestle our chosen weight class. The team just hangs out a lot and stays disciplined together.
What is the culture on the wrestling team like? What makes wrestling at Rabun Gap special to you?
The hard work that we put in every single day - our room is a very special unique place on campus. The people that enter that room are different then other people on campus, we work hard and get the job done. It's the hardest practice on campus but our hard work also pays off when we wrestle other teams; our conditioning is far better than any opponent. The bond we make is just so special, the bus rides and weekend tournaments are always a highlight with the brotherhood we have.
What is your favorite thing about your coaches?
What is your favorite thing about your coaches?
Coach J is way more than just a coach - he is almost like a second father or a best friend. He puts so much work and time into our team and has changed many lives on the team by showing us hard work and dedication. He has built a team into a true powerhouse and that's hard to do with no recruiting; he has made wrestlers out of us and is truly awesome.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to hang out with the boys, hike, watch movies at the movie theater and watch college wrestling.
Which classes do you love here and why?
I like Botany - it's pretty fun because we get to walk outside a lot. I also enjoy history class.
What are your plans for after high school?
I would like to go the University of Montana and study outdoor Management and really enjoy the big sky country.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
