Contact: Emily Zadny, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5302
(Written by Nicholas Osterloo, Student Sports Information Assistant)
Jan. 31, 2018 - North Central College senior wrestler Matt Marcotte chose to be a Cardinal for a few reasons but a big one was the fact that he could continue his wrestling career as well as get a quality education which will help him get a job that can have an impact on others' lives. Coming from a small town, he enjoys the smaller school where he can get to know his professors.
"I liked the people and the staff that I met on my tour and on my overnight stay with the wrestling team. With all of that added up, I had a good feeling about coming to North Central," Marcotte said.
Growing up, Marcotte played soccer, baseball, football as well as wrestling but decided to make wrestling his passion. "My senior year, I decided to focus everything on wrestling, from the offseason to the season itself," said Marcotte. He stuck it out and it paid off for him as he is one of the team's leaders with 21 wins on the season.
Wrestling at North Central has taught Marcotte more than just moves on the mat; he has gained valuable life lessons as well.
"Wrestling has made me more mentally tough, but physically tough as well. We talk about breaking through those walls here at North Central which means when the going gets tough, most people get tired and want to quit. We break through those walls," Marcotte said of the North Central Wrestling motto. "I don't think I would have developed that mindset anywhere else, and in any other sport.
Off of the mat, he is very involved in various clubs and organizations on campus.
"One of my biggest responsibilities was being a Resident Assistant for a few years. As of now, I'm the President of Enactus and the Vice President of the Financial Literacy Club," said Marcotte.
Enactus is an organization that provides a venue to educate, lead, and inspire students from all majors in entrepreneurship, global markets, ethics, and financial independence through student-created programs. Marcotte along with his team from North Central placed third out of 100 schools to compete in the United States National Exposition.
"We were the student organization of the year last year because the things we do is very impactful and people like that more than just something to put on their resume," Marcotte said.
Marcotte is a double major in finance and economics as well as working towards a minor in organizational communications. "I wanted to make an impact on others and work something that was not just a 9-5 job. I started looking at financial planning, and some of the benefits to that such as work life balance," said Marcotte on his career aspirations.
He has already gained valuable work experience by working an internship at the Hoopis Group which sells insurance and also deals with investing. This past summer he worked for Edward Jones and dealt with financial planning.
After he graduates, Marcotte would like to continue to work at Edward Jones. "Their application is a three-month process and the last step is 'a day in the life' which they call the final assessment. That took about four hours, but I'm done applying and awaiting to hear back," Marcotte said.
Marcotte and the wrestling team will take on Millikin University on Thursday, Feb. 1, for Senior Night which will take place in Merner Field House in Gregory Arena at 7:00pm. For live in-match coverage, click HERE.
