Beatrice Negulescu
The Pierce College football team will be going to the playoffs for the first time in approximately 20 years, an achievement largely due to contributions from quarterback Matthew Wabby.
“The turning point of the season was when we came back and beat West L.A. from 21 points in the fourth quarter,” said Wabby, excited to have made the playoffs.
Wabby, 21, is a communications major who just spent his first season on the Pierce football team breaking touchdown records and leading the team to victory.
“My favorite game this season was the Antelope Valley game because it was for the conference championships and playoff spot,” he said.
Wabby, who wears the number eight on this football jersey, got his start playing football in the street as a kid. When he was old enough, he asked his parents to play.
He pursued his childhood love for the game by playing on the Crespi football team throughout high school, spending three years on Varsity.
Although he has played several positions includig linebacker and tight end, Wabby says that to him, “there is nothing better than playing quarterback. You always have everyone’s eyes on you.”
“I love the pressure and knowing that I am the one who my teammates look up to,” he said.
A native of the San Fernando Valley, Wabby plans to take his football career to the next level.
“Some schools interested in me are Chapman, Occidental, Cal Lutheran, St. John’s in Minnesota,” said Wabby, whose top choice is Chapman.
“I love everything about football. It is something I enjoy watching playing and coaching,” he said.
Wabby idolizes football players such as Ben Rothlisberger and his favorite team is the Steelers.
He is also influenced by his uncle, who played football on scholarship at Ohio State.
Wabby describes his relationship with his family as very close and says parents are at every game. He also has an older sister and a younger sister with whom he has a close bond with.
Furthermore, Wabby has close ties with his teammates and coaches, who voted him team captain.
Teammate Alex Martinez, number 93, describes Wabby as “a smart quarterback who has a lot of experience.”
Martinez’ and Wabby’s relationship goes beyond football.
“He is a good friend. When I ask him for favors he helps me out,” said Martinez, who has known Wabby for two years.
Outside of playing football, Wabby also enjoys baseball and plans to play for Pierce in the spring.
He also enjoys activities such as “relaxing with friends, going out, hitting up the beach and meeting pretty girls.”
