Matt Sauk quarterbacked the Aggies in the Humanitarian Bowl in 1997 - and quarterbacks the Avengers in the Arena Football League today.

by Craig J. Peterson
December 6, 2002 (c) TrueAggies.com

Logan, UT - Matt Sauk played quarterback for the Aggies in 1996 and 1997. His career as an Aggie included many accomplishments. He is still listed in the top ten in many categories. One of his most memorable accomplishments as an Aggie was beating Utah two years in a row. That is correct. Utah State has only beat Utah three times in the past 19 years and Matt Sauk was responsible for two of those three times. The last Aggie quarterback to beat Utah twice is Tony Adams in 1971 and 1972. When asked about his most memorable game at Utah State, Matt answered; "[The most] memorable game would have to be more than one game. It was both of our wins over Utah. I have always hated them and it was really special to whoop [them]!"

Slowing down has not been in the cards for Matt since leaving the Aggies. He first went to Germany and played on a club team. He was then picked up by the Nashville Kats in the Arena Football League. With two weeks to play in the season, he was released for financial reasons. Later he was picked up by the Tennessee Valley Vipers in the arenafootball2 (af2) league. In 2001, Sauk led the af2 in passing yards and total offense. He was also named the league's "Rookie of the Year." His 86 regular-season touchdown passes is another league record. In his regular season finale of the 2001 season at Tennessee Valley, he orchestrated a 34-point, fourth-quarter comeback victory.

Matt's play in the af2 (the developmental league established by the Arena Football League) earned him a spot with the Los Angeles Avengers last season. He will be playing his second season for them this year. Currently listed as a backup quarterback, Matt's dream is to start for the AFL one day.

When asked about his plans for the future, Matt is quick to reply, and it all revolves around football.

"I don't have a dream to play in the NFL," Matt responded. "My dream is to start for the AFL if you can believe that. I just love the game so much. I am trying to get into coaching as well. [I] love teaching kids the way football should be played and how to do things. Another dream I have is to be an Offensive Coordinator."

Not all of Matt's life since Utah State has been football. He was married October, 1999 to his wife Michelle, whom he dated at Utah State. This past June they had their first baby, weighing in at 8 pounds and 22 inches long. Her name is Aysha (pronounced Asia). Sandy, Utah is currently home, but Matt is living in California four to five months of the year when he plays for the Avengers.

What does Matt think of the current state of Aggie football? "I have seen a few games and I love that offense," Matt said. "I would have loved to have been in that offense. Throwing 40 times a game. I think [Coach Dennehy] is just a few players from getting it really going." Matt added, "I would like to see them given a few more years to really do what they need to do. When you change coaches as much as we have it only hurts the program."

Getting good athletes to come to Utah State has always been a concern for Aggie fans. Matt's top priorities for recruiting top athletes are, "First win. Second are facilities. They are on the right track with facilities. Next is getting a winning record year after year." Will a conference and bowl game help recruiting? "Yes. It means that they have something to work towards. Football players aren't the smartest in the world, but if you tell them; 'win games - go to bowl,' we understand." He also thinks playing top 25 teams helps in the recruiting effort. "I had a great time player teams like OSU, Texas Tech., Colorado State, New Mexico, and Southern Miss. It was fun to travel to those places and play. Plus, when you have a good team you have a chance to win as well," he said.

Football records have been attainable for Matt for many years, graduation hasn't - not yet. He still has one year remaining for his degree. The previous coaching staff elected not to give him a redshirt year to allow him to graduate (he was a JC transfer and had 3 to play 2). He is hopeful that next year he can start the process of getting his BA degree.

What piece of advice does Matt have for current Aggie football players who have dreams of going professional? "Keep the dream," Matt said. "I never thought I would be where I am at and look at me. I hit a lot of speed bumps in the road, but I kept telling myself I can do it, and just kept working. Just keep on dreaming."