ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

ATHLETICS 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 24, 2008
 

TYLER MATTOX NAMED TECH MALE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas – Arkansas Tech has named senior pitcher Tyler Mattox (Conway, Ark.) as this week's fourth male student-athlete of the week.

Mattox, who is a member of the Wonder Boys Baseball team, earns this week's honor for his performance this past summer playing for the Santa Barbara [CA] Foresters summer league team. Mattox, who was a member of Santa Barbara's 2008 NBC World Series Championship squad, compiled a 2-3 record and a 3.32 earned run average in eight appearances for the Foresters this past summer. On the summer, he pitched 40.2 innings, allowed 35 hits and 22 runs, while walking 24 and striking out 34. In the NBC World Series, Mattox made one appearance and allowed two hits and two runs, while walking one and striking out two. The NBC title was the second in three years for the the program and the Foresters also won its 15th CCL (California Collegiate League) title overall and second consecutive this past summer.  

As a junior last year with the Wonder Boys, Mattox, who transferred to Tech from Connors State [OK] College, compiled a 3-2 record and a 5.09 ERA. On the season, he made 11 appearances and 11 starts and in 46 innings of work, he allowed 50 hits, 31 runs, while walking 29 and striking out 33. In addition, he had one complete game and opposing hitters batted .275 against Mattox. In GSC play, Mattox went 1-1 with a 5.95 ERA. He made four starts and in 19.2 innings of work, he allowed 16 hits and 13 earned runs, while walking 12 and striking out 16. 

The following is a question and answer segment to help get to know this successful Tech student-athlete:

Why did you ultimately choose to come to Tech?
Tyler Mattox: Coming to Tech gave me the opportunity to play baseball for some stand-up guys like Coach Goss and Coach McCrotty.

Outside of athletics, what is your favorite thing about college life?
TM: The opportunity to meet new people.

What is your favorite type of music/group?
TM: I like country music.

What do you consider your hobby?
TM: I like to hunt and fish.

What sport other than baseball do you like to watch or would you like to play the most?
TM: I'd play football.

Who is one person that has had the biggest impact on your life?
TM: My fellow Tech teammate, Sammy Hassen.

What is your most memorable moment as a Tech athlete?
TM: Throwing a complete game in the last game of last season.

What would you do on your dream vacation?
TM: I'd like to go to Italy.

What is your major at Tech?
TM: Wellness Science.

What do you plan to do after graduation?
TM: I would like to get a real job.

Do you have a pet?
TM: No pets.

How many times a day do you find yourself checking facebook?
TM: I usually check once a day, normally when I wake up in the morning.

What's the most rewarding class you have had while being at Tech?
TM: My kinesiology lab with Mrs. Horan.

What are your goals for this season?
TM: I want to have good grades and win every game I pitch.

Tech Male Student-Athlete of the Week Winners (2008-09)

September 16 - sophomore linebacker Danny Martin (football)
September 2 - sophomore defensive back Tario Dansby (football)
August 24 - senior receiver Tracey Stiger (football)
 

      Previous Tech Male Student-Athlete of the Week Winners (2007-08)

May 5 -
junior Jarred Carlyle (golf)
April 21 - junior B.J. Hawkins (golf)
April 14
- freshman outfielder Austin Gwatney (baseball)
April 7
- senior quarterback Cole Barthel (football)
March 24 - senior pitcher Zach Weiss (baseball)
March 4 - junior forward Troy Marcus (basketball)
Feb. 20
-
junior third baseman Tony Sanchez (baseball)