Where Are They Now? — Matt Rollins

Dear Fellow Bulldogs,

Hola!! It's been so nice to read what a lot of you have been up to. I am feeling a little bit like a rebel, due to the fact that I promised a few fellow graduates that I wouldn't post anything, but I felt the need to do it (especially after Amy Carter Ashton did it!).

After graduating from Provo High, I left to go to college and play basketball in Rocklin, CA. I played one year there and then went on a mission. (I guess I don't have to get into what a mission is and for what religion). I served in Montevideo, Uruguay. It was a life changing experience like most of us. One of my companions was Jeff Rhineer (PHS '89). It was a great time. I returned back to Northern California and played one more year of basketball and then decided to go to BYU. What a mistake. I couldn't stand it. I still don't understand what shaving has to do with my education!!! Maybe someday I'll be old enough to figure that out. Saying that, I cheer for the Cougars all the time. I was there for one semester. I went back to California and got married, got my degree (Broadcast Communications from Sacramento State University) and went on to work for the Sacramento Kings (of the NBA) doing their post game show on the radio. I couldn't make a living at that so I also worked at a Country Club as a golf professional. As time went on, I realized that this wasn't going to be my career, I got a job with a golf club manufacturer (PING) in Phoenix, Arizona and moved. Within a two week period, I moved states, had a baby, changed jobs, bought a house, and bought a car. I should have been dead!!! I wasn't and I loved it. It was a great time.

I now have two wonderful kids. McKenzie is 10 and just finished up the fourth grade. She is beautiful. She is into gymnastics, softball, and getting highlights in her hair. She's the best daughter. I couldn't ask for anything else from her. My son's name is Coleman. He's seven years old and just finished up the 1st grade. He's like his old man. He's into any sport that has a ball. We just finished up with baseball. He also plays football, basketball, golf, and a little bit of soccer. We are just starting a traveling team for baseball. Should be a great time. KIDS ARE GREAT!! I absolutely love being a dad!! I spend most of my time coaching both my kid's teams. Some of the greatest moments of my childhood are of my dad coaching my little league teams. I hope to have the same experiences with my kids.

I still work for PING and now manage the PGA Tour and it's players for the company. I travel to tournaments that are being played by The PGA Tour and make sure that the PING staff players are living up to their contractual requirements. I also negotiate with agents as to what the financial terms of their agreements might be. It's a great job. My kids think it's normal to hang out with Tiger Woods, because "that's what my dad does for a living." (And no, I can't hook you up with free equipment!! I get that question all the time. Just ask David Strunk.)

Two and half years ago, unfortunately I went through a divorce!! It's no fun and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Life was tough for about a year and a half and thank goodness for my family, my faith, and a few close friends. I am now as happy as ever and try to be "DAD OF THE YEAR" everyday. It's great. My kids and work are my focus.

I can't wait to see everyone at the reunion. I have had to whip open my year book to see who some of you are. It's amazing how we changed. Fat, bald, skinny, beautiful.......change has definitely happened. Some of you have changed and some of you haven't at all. Many of you and your stories have been inspirational. Thank you for all the great laughs that I've had over my computer. It's amazing how a graduate class from little ol' Provo, Utah can effect so many people around this country.



Comments

Anonymous said…
Matt- You look great man! Your kids are very cute too, I hope to see you in Provo. Coleman and my boy Peyton are the same age. Except Peyton loves... just the Wii!!! He tries so hard to play baseball, but he can't focus long enough. Take care- Rod
Anonymous said…
Matt

Glad to see you on the rebound. Just remember all the tricks I taught you and you will land a real rich one this time.

See you at the reunion.

Tony Abbott
Anonymous said…
Your kids are beautiful! What a great job you have!! It's always nice when you can do what you love for a living!
Anonymous said…
Matt,
It's about time you showed up! :-) You look great! Glad to hear things are going well! You have very cute kids, too. Can't wait to see you at the reunion! How long are you in town?
Lance
Anonymous said…
Wow what a killer job you have! Sorry to hear about the divorce. You look great and still have that infectious smile!
Anonymous said…
Wow what a killer job you have! Sorry to hear about the divorce. You look great and still have that infectious smile!
Anonymous said…
Hey Matt - I was beginning to think you fell of the face of the earth, especially after Amy wrote =D You're kids are amazing and I have to really admire you for being the greatest dad ever. Parenting is something I can't fathom but definitely something that would have to be rewarding. Trust me on the divorce thing, it will get better and if you're as optimistic as you were in high school you'll be just fine. Thanks for sharing!
Anonymous said…
Hi Matt,
I was so excited to see your post! I can't tell you how many times I have thought about you over the years and wondered what was going on in your life. The last time I saw you I think was at Wendy's in Provo, I had just had Cooper and was about 50 lbs. over weight, towing 3 kids under 4 years old... I wanted to die!
Just the other day I was telling my daughter about the night we climbed to the top of the playground tower at Wasatch Elementary and talked until 2 am ( I think we were suppose to be at the midnight movie or something ). You were always such a great friend to me and helped me through some difficult times in high school. I have great memories of times spent with you!
I am very sorry to hear about your divorce, but you look great and it sounds like you are doing really well. My boys freaked out at what a cool job you have... they love golf!
It sounds like your kids bring a lot of joy into your life... just like me, my kids are my everything!
I would sure love to catch up with you sometime soon! Drop me an e-mail (amysfam@msn.com) and lets get in touch.
Anonymous said…
Hey Matt! Great to hear what you've been up to! I've wondered what happened to you. I have a hot sister in law that I'd love to set you up with, if you're up for it. Email offsite for the details: wonderwomin@cox.net

Look forward to seeing you at the reunion!!
Mindy Hafen Smith
Dan said…
Hey Matt, don't forget the other class of '88er in the Montevideo mission. It'll be good to see u.
-Dan
Clark Bayles said…
Hey Matt I still remember the amazing state B-Ball game what was it 11 3 pointers or something. and all I can think is I was lucky enough to witness it all with Willie and Jared in our sweet polyester yell-leader uniforms. good to hear from you.
Vicki said…
Matt,

I DO still have that piece of wood. Not really, but I did show my daughter our dance picture and told her how you asked me. She thought it was so COOOOOOOL.

You were so great to me in high school. Thanks for being such a great friend to me.

Your job is AWESOME! Are you ever in Louisville (I think the PGA tour was here in 1996 and 2000)? I would love to see you.

Your kids are so darling. Your daughter is beautiful. It sounds like you are doing great. I wish we could catch up more at the reunion. Hopefully they will have 25 year one. Take care. Vicki Thompson (O'Brien)
Sheryl said…
Matt,

I was so surprised to hear that you are into golfing and are a professional too. That is so cool.

I was sorry to hear about your divorce. I can't imagine the pain you and your kid's went through. I hope things will continue to go well for you.

It's great to see your wonderful smile again. Hope to see you and your family in June.
Anonymous said…
Hey Matt,

It was great to hang out with you (well, only a for a bit) at the golf course. You really helped (and impressed) me, Kyle, Bob and Roxanne with that shot over the bunker (but that's our secret). Next time around we may need you to hang a little closer to our team. It seems like you've landed the perfect job. I hope everything is working out for you and your kids. Know that you have a ton of friends from the old days.

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