Matt Bergman #33

March 6, 2012

January 20th started out as a regular day for me.  I went to work, came home and chilled, and debated to cross the street to Wooster H.S. to watch a basketball game.  I had no idea that one individual, which whom I had no connection to (previously) would have such an impact on not only mine but others' lives as well.

This Friday afternoon in January led me to watch Matt Bergman play in a High School basketball game.  Most people have no idea how hard it is to be a fan of the game and attempt to photograph it at the same time.  It's really hard because you find yourself watching more than photographing.  And the way that Matt played, it was extremely hard to concentrate on shooting instead of watching.

What I witnessed from Matt is that he played his ass off every possession.  He did the little things (such as hustle plays), he rebounded, played tenacious defense and when the opportunity showed itself, he took advantage and got buckets (slang term for "scoring points").  My overall opinion of Matt was so high that after the game I actually sought him out to personally tell him, "you played one hell of a game fam".  He didn't even know me and with complete sincerity said, "thank you".

It wasn't until he read an earlier blog post that he remembered who I was (I was and still am honored by it).  He sent me a Facebook message asking me, "if I was the guy who spoke to him after the Manogue game".  After talking to Matt several times, I had a much better understanding of who he was.  He was a good baller, but a much better human being.

It wasn't until recently that one of our mutual friends messaged me and asked me to write something about Matt.  There was no way that I wouldn't.  All I asked for was some inside information for a better understanding of Matt and everything that was said to me confirmed my previous beliefs on Matt's character.

Awesome Matt fact...he chose #33 because his Mom wore that same number.  How cool is that?  Most kids want to wear some "superstars" number or their Dad's...but Matt chose his Moms.  This to me speaks volumes.  He was unselfish, wanted to make you laugh and he was a great friend/teammate.

When I found out about this tragedy I had no idea of what actually happened.  It wasn't until I was told how it happened that all of my opinions about Matt came full circle.  He gave up his life attempting to save his Sister.  Everything that I saw on the basketball court that day in January had cemented my characterization of Matt and his entire being.  He would do anything for anybody, and give it his all no matter what the cost.  Matt, you're a hero buddy and one kick ass individual.  We didn't have that much time together, but you did impact my life as well as those who knew you for much longer and had a deeper relationship.

We're all going to miss you...