Southmoreland graduate Mataeo Garner, 18, continues his football career in Division II JUCO at Valley Forge Military College.

Walking into the first practice was a breeze for the running back as he prepared for his first college season of football. Garner didn’t generate any college football interest until his sophomore year of high school.

“I didn’t start getting recruited until the end of sophomore year,”said Garner,” I wish I would’ve taken things more seriously.”

JUCO is a program that allows athletes to play in their program for two years but later transfer into a Division I college. Garner has been playing football ever since he was 6 years old and looks to continue playing at UCONN if he gets the chance after JUCO.

“When you first get to college athletics there’s a lot of competition,” said Garner,” It’s a much faster pace.”

However, Garner still manages to stay positive through every obstacle he faces on and off the field. Garner’s college coach, Coach Dante Coles,who has been coaching for 12 years, said “Mataeo has adapted to the transition very well.”

Moving on from high school and into college was tough for Garner, but it wasn’t something that held him back.

“I felt like I was the man,” said Garner,” I’ll never say I’m better than anyone, and I’ll always be thankful for that.”

He did begin to notice a difference in the way the team was from his years in high school.

“It’s different from high school,” said Garner. “Everyone wants to know who you are and how good you were.”

The team finished the season with a 9-2 record with losses to Monroe College and ARMY- West Point (D-II). They have, however, also defeated ARMY-West Point (D-II) to split the difference.

“I don’t like to lose,” said Garner,” I like to win.”

Since graduating, Garner stills keeps in close contact with Southmoreland senior Jake Beistel and junior Tommy Pisula. Beistel and Garner quickly bonded through wrestling and took that bond with them to the football field in a matter of weeks.

“I miss him just because he was one of my friends,”said Beistel.” He had a good attitude along with being tough while running the ball.”

Pisula also had encouraging words about Garner after losing the running back to graduation.

“He helped get everyone pumped along with Chas (King),” said Pisula. “He helped us a lot as a player and a teammate.”

Garner’s current coach noticed the work ethic that he produced on the field and was nothing but grateful to have his attitude on the team.

“Mataeo is a kid you know who is going to do all the right things and be very respectful,” said Coles.