Nov. 17, 2006
#79 Brian Mattes
Senior, 6-6, 287
Offensive Guard
Larksville, Pa./Wyoming Valley West
Fifth-year senior Brian Mattes has been a key reserve on the Irish offensive line this season. Heading into his final appearance this afternoon at Notre Dame Stadium, he has played in all 10 games in 2006 and 38 in his career. A member of Notre Dame’s Academic Honors Program and a Dean’s List honoree, he graduated in May of ’06 with a degree in finance from the Mendoza College of Business. He currently is enrolled in graduate studies. Gameday’s Laura Hansen gives Irish fans a chance to get to know Brian Mattes.
Hansen: What is your major and why are you interested in it?
Mattes: My major was finance. The business school just seemed like a good fit for me, and I started to get interested in the markets and everything once I learned about it.
Hansen: What is your favorite class and why?
Mattes: My favorite class I have had here would probably be Investment Theory. It was my first finance course and it gave me a broad outlook on finance and how everything works.
Hansen: Do you have any nicknames? What are they?
Mattes: Bmat– just my first and last name together.
Hansen: How old were you when you started playing football?
Mattes: I was in the seventh grade.
Hansen: What has been the most embarrassing moment in your athletic career?
Mattes: During my sophomore year at Notre Dame, I was put in for a field goal, and two guys came over me and they just absolutely crushed me. I think my head almost blocked the kick.
Hansen: What other schools did you consider before coming to Notre Dame, and what made you choose Notre Dame?
Mattes: I chose Notre Dame over Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Penn State. When I came here, I just really felt at home; it was a great mix of academics and athletics, as everyone knows. I felt comfortable with the types of kids on the team and at the school.
Hansen: What has been the highlight of your Notre Dame career to date?
Mattes: I don’t have a specific highlight, but my overall highlight would be just being around here for five years and seeing how things have changed. I have known the guys for so long, and it’s fun to see how everyone matures and develops into adults and on the football field as well.
Hansen: Who has been your biggest non-sports role model and why?
Mattes: Both of my parents. My mom has taught me so much about the importance of family and academics. My dad has been a really great sports dad and taught me a lot of discipline.
Hansen: What is one thing in your life that you cannot live without?
Mattes: I cannot live without television.
Hansen: What is the best advice that you have ever been given and who gave it to you?
Mattes: A good family friend of mine, Moe, gave me a poem when I was young entitled “Don’t Quit,” and I try to emulate that as much as I can.
Hansen: Where is the toughest stadium that you’ve played as a college football player?
Mattes: Probably the toughest and the coolest would be Neyland Stadium in Tennessee. It was really loud there and was a great atmosphere for a college football game.
Hansen: Who is the best athlete that you have ever competed against?
Mattes: Linebacker Paul Posluszny from Penn State.
Hansen: What is your favorite place on campus?
Mattes: My favorite place when I was on campus was definitely my dorm room. It was nice to have a little, quiet place to unwind.
Hansen: NDH or SDH? Why?
Mattes: SDH for a better selection.
Hansen: If you could vacation anywhere, where would you go and why?
Mattes: I would probably go to Europe and spend a lot of time there traveling around. There is so much history and great food there.
Hansen: If you could participate in the Olympics, which sport would you play (since football is not an Olympic sport)?
Mattes: Basketball–it was my first love in life.
Hansen: If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
Mattes: To be able to fly.
Hansen: What was your favorite TV show growing up as a kid? And nowadays?
Mattes: Growing up would probably have been Saved by the Bell and now it would be Lost. I really got into Lost, I am kind of a Lost junkie–I’ve never missed an episode.
Hansen: If you were stranded on an island and could only eat one meal, only listen to one song, and spend you time with only one person; what would you eat, what would you listen to and who would you pick?
Mattes: I would definitely eat Surf `n Turf and french fries, listen to Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett and be with my girlfriend.
Hansen: If you had a chance to play golf with anyone in history, who would be in your foursome, in addition to yourself, and why?
Mattes: My dad, so I could share a great time with him, Michael Jordan because he is my sports idol, and Adam Sandler for laughs.
Hansen: When your football career is over, what do you see yourself doing?
Mattes: Working in the business world and using my degree that I obtained here.
Hansen: Describe what it feels like on gameday and playing in Notre Dame Stadium.
Mattes: It’s just an unreal feeling some that is indescribable. With the rush of adrenaline, the excitement, and the people cheering in the stands, everything comes together and there is that “wow” feeling.
Hansen: What is your favorite thing about playing for Notre Dame?
Mattes: The teammates I have and the national support that we get here.