Running Back/Middle Linebacker/Punt Returner: 1956-57
Gary Van Matre was the greatest scoring threat that the Pointer's potent offense had in 1956 and 1957. Playing half-back, Gary was Mineral Point's primary runner and set both rushing and scoring records that lasted for 41 years. During his two years as starting half-back, Mineral Point only lost two games, finishing second in conference both years.
During Gary's junior year, he scored 5 touchdowns and 1 PAT in leading Mineral Point to a 6-1-1 record. As a senior, his production increased dramatically as he scored 15 touchdowns and 90 points to lead the conference, including a four touchdown performance against Mt. Horeb. He also had 5 touchdowns called back that year, including 3 in one game against Dodgeville. The scoring record lasted until 1996. Against Fennimore, Gary set the record for most yards rushed in a single game, with 173 yards. That record lasted until 1995. In 1957, in 111 rushes, he gained 681 yards in just seven games. Gary was also 10 of 21 passing, including throwing 4 touchdown passes to his brother Bruce. For his three year career, Gary totaled 22 touchdowns, a record that was not broken until 2010.
Gary stated, "Running the ball was always exciting; however, playing defense was most exhilarating!" He enjoyed reading the opponent's offense, seizing on formation, alignments, and tendencies, allowing him to make plays from his Middle Linebacker position. As well as leading the team in tackles, as a senior, Gary intercepted six passes, returning them for 121 yards and two touchdowns.
A stand out on both Offense and Defense, Gary also holds a Special Teams record that may never be broken. As a senior, Gary returned eleven punts for an incredible 400 yards, resulting in an average return of 36.4 yards. In both yardage and average, those numbers are still the record, and are almost double the next closest challenger. In his senior season, Gary rolled up 1,202 total yards, for an average of 171.7 yards per game.
Highly recruited after graduation, Gary went to Winona State to play football, but unfortunately broke his leg in his first college game and never played again. Gary married Ruth Appert in 1967, and they have four children; Dr. Graeme Van Matre, Dr. Ryan Van Matre, Adam Van Matre, and Aspen Graessle, Two of their three sons played college football. Gary was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Fairfield Gears in Lafayette, Indiana. He retired in 2009. He and Ruth currently live in Delphi, Indiana.
"Football game lessons such as determination, believing in myself, trusting teammates, and playing by the rules became life lessons. I was blessed with many talented teammates that were selfless and sacrificing to make 1956 & 1957 seasons the best two years that MP football had in many years. For me, it seems as if playing high school football was that time in my life that was so natural and uncomplicated. The gifts that were given to me came together in talent, teammates, coaches and friends." - Gary Van Matre, August 2012
- Three Year Letter Winner: 1955, 1956 & 1957
- Captain: 1957
- All-Conference Half-back: 1956 & 1957
- All-Conference Linebacker: 1957
- Honorable Mention All-State Coaches Poll: 1957
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