The Pointer UW-Stevens Point Student Newspaper
Senior Matt Sosinsky has made a lot of sacrifices to be a student athlete at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Sosinsky is the leading wide receiver on the football field for the Pointers, as well as a member of the 4×400 relay team for the track and field team that qualified for nationals last season.
“I think when a student-athlete plays two sports, time management is a quality needed more than anything,” Aaron Vlcko, offensive coordinator, said. “Matt does a great job not only competing in both sports, but staying focused in the classroom as well. When football and track are over, as an education major, whatever school hires Matt will be fortunate.”
On the football field, Sosinsky shows off his athletic ability every week, but coach Vlcko said he has always noticed a different skill set Sosinsky brings to the table.
“Matt has a great understanding of the game. He has recommended plays for our offense more than once in his career and that resulted in a big play,” Vlcko said. “A lot of guys only focus on their assignment. What makes coaching Matt fun is he sees the big picture and is someone we trust to get feedback from.”
When football season is over, Sosinsky gets a short break before jumping right into track season. This season, he will be the leader of the 4×400 relay team since he is the only returning runner from the nationally-qualified team.
Joining track was an unexpected surprise for Sosinsky, but one he does not regret.
“Originally it was me and a couple football guys, and then this past year they couldn’t go out, so it was just me, but I enjoyed it so much that I stuck with it. I love both Coach Witt and meeting new friends and teammates, and this is an awesome experience,” Sosinsky said.
Sosinsky did not run track his freshman year, but he said he adjusted to the sport in no time.
“I think he put even more pressure on himself, he was concerned that he didn’t want to be the guy to let the team down, despite holding his own,” said Brett Witt, assistant track and field coach. “I don’t feel like he has that same fear in football. He seems extremely confident at all times.”
Sosinsky comes from Princeton, a small town of 1200, and his father coached him through high school. Sosinsky credits his work ethic and mental toughness from his parents’ and how he was raised for his success.
“I come from a big sports family. My dad and his five brothers always played, and my dad coached me in all sports, football, basketball, baseball,” Sosinsky said. “I didn’t really have a choice to not play sports being around my family.”
Charles Klumb
Reporter
cklum166@uwsp.edu
