By Mark Bohannon, SAC Media Relations Office

This is the second in a series of articles for 2005-06 that will periodically feature student-athletes from the league's member institutions who have distinguished themselves.

This second SAC Spotlight, written by SAC intern Mark Bohannon, profiles Tusculum College senior men’s soccer midfielder/defender Justin VanMatre has been a key player for the Pioneers, helping the team advance to the national quarterfinals last season and a No. 1 national ranking two weeks ago.

A knee injury will keep him out of action for the remainder of the season, but he still found time to speak with SAC Intern Mark Bohannon about soccer, the Pioneers and his famous grandfather.

Q: The Tusculum soccer team was recently ranked No. 1 in the nation. How did the team react when they got word of their No. 1 status?

TC's Justin VanMatre (#6 in black) wants to continue his involvement with soccer after graduation. And yes, he's proud of his grandfather, Mike Shannon, who played for the 1964 World Champion St. Louis Cardinals. Photos courtesy Tusculum College

A: We saw the number one ranking as a huge compliment, but we knew that we could not let it go to our heads. What we really want is to be ranked No. 1 at the end of the season. While we were excited about being recognized as the top team in the nation, we knew that it did not mean anything unless we continued our success and finished out the season as the best team in the NCAA Division II standings. That is what we are currently striving towards.

Q: Tusculum is currently holding down the 9th spot in the NCAA Division II rankings. What do you expect for the remainder of the season?

A: Every team has goals at the beginning of a season. We understand that if we keep winning, then the rankings will reflect that. Our goals have remained the same from the start of the season; we want to be the Division II Champions. We feel this goal is attainable as long as we keep winning games and everybody on the team delivers 100 percent.

Q: How will your recent injury impact the Tusculum soccer season and what is the status of your injury?

A: I don’t think my injury will negatively effect our season. Fortunately, we have a lot of depth on our team. Individuals are stepping in and getting their jobs accomplished. Improvement can easily be seen on a game by game basis. Everybody is doing exactly what needs to be done in order for our soccer team to succeed. As for my injury, my leg is presently locked in a leg brace. We are icing it in order to reduce some of the swelling that has taken place. I will not be able to start rehab for another six weeks so I just have to rest it until the proper time.

Q: What do you enjoy most about playing in the South Atlantic Conference?

A: I love the rivalries to be honest with you. The SAC is so competitive. For example, when we travel to a Carson-Newman or Catawba there is so much pressure on us to win. Grabbing a win in those places means so much to our school and to our team. Even the schools in our conference that are not traditionally known for having the best soccer team compete with such a high intensity that it is hard to come away with a win. Winning games in the SAC is definitely a battle.

Q: What does the future hold for Justin VanMatre after graduation? Do you see any more soccer in your future?

A: I would absolutely love the opportunity to play soccer professionally on a competitive level. I am majoring in Sport Management, but I really do not have too much figured out at this particular moment. If I don’t have the opportunity to play professional soccer, then coaching is always an option that I have thought about. I could certainly see myself coaching soccer at the collegiate level.

Q: Your grandfather, Mike Shannon, was a part of the 1964 World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals. What is it like having a World Series Champion in the family?

A: We are all extraordinarily proud of him. However, I am not the one who won the World Series Championship. I want to be a part of the 2005 NCAA Division II Champion Tusculum Pioneers. My grandfather has always told me to play hard and do the best that I possibly can, and I try to honor those words on and off the soccer field.

Q: Tell us about your favorite or greatest soccer achievement.

A: I would have to say that the greatest achievement in my soccer career happened last season when our team made it to the national quarterfinals against SIU Edwardsville. We were so close to getting to the championship game. Even though not winning that game was disappointing, it made us hungrier for more success. This season, we want to return to the quarterfinals and end our season with a win in the NCAA Division II Championship game.