November 10, 1998
For some people, dreams really do come true. University of Missouri forward MATT ROWAN is one of those people fortunate enough to live his dream. Hes playing college basketball.
While leading the Liberty High School Blue Jays to the Missouri Class 4A state championship last year, Rowan (pronounced ROE-un) garnered interest from MU Head Coach Norm Stewart.
"After we played state down here," Rowan said, "Coach Stewart talked to me. Thats when it all really started," he said. Rowan signed with MU soon after in the spring period, and his dream became reality.
Up until he made Columbia his home this fall, Rowan had lived in six different cities across three states. His father, Mike, owns his own business, so the Rowan family was always on the move. Rowan only lived in Liberty for three years, but he says it was his favorite place hes been so far. "It was where I graduated from high school and played basketball," he said.
Matt is the oldest of three children. His sister Erin is 16 years old, and brother Josh is seven. Even though leaving home was tough, Rowan feels like hes managed to make a smooth transition from high school to life at a major university. "I like living on my own and taking on responsibilities," he said. Many of his friends from high school are also here at MU, which certainly has helped make the adjustment to college life easier.
Rowans parents -- father Mike, and mother Julie -- are both tall and athletic. Rowan gives credit to both for his athletic upbringing, especially his father. "He started me up on basketball and baseball," Rowan said of his father, who played college basketball at Chadron State College in Chadron, Neb. Mike worked with his son constantly in both sports while Matt was growing up. "Wed go out in the back yard and play catch with the baseball, and then go shoot baskets," Rowan said.
Although he feels he is a self-directed person, Rowan appreciates the encouragement his parents have always given him. He is quick to acknowledge their influence and how much it means to him. "Theyve always been there, supported me," he said. "Theyve always pushed me to do my best all the time," he said.
Matts father has also had an influence on his academic interest, which is business. "I got into business because my dads in business," Rowan said. Although hes not sure on the specifics of what he would like to pursue, Rowan has set high goals for himself. "My goals are to graduate from college and have a very successful job," he said. To accomplish these goals, hell be stressing the student in student-athlete. "I know its important," he said.
On the court, Rowans aims as a freshman are to enjoy his experience and win basketball games. Hes also reaching to attain personal goals hes set for himself. "I want to help the team out as best I can," he said. Rowan is going to make sure he does as hes taught, which is to get rebounds and play tough, hard-nosed defense. "We have a lot of people on the team who can score, so thats not my main objective right now," he said.
College is about learning, and Rowan feels hes learned a great deal in his first few months as a college student. Most importantly, hes learned to "work hard at school and sports," he said. So far, he hasnt found it too difficult finding the proper balance for the two.
Rowan said most people dont know hes quite an outdoorsman. "I enjoy hunting and fishing a lot -- I love it," he said. His father taught him how to shoot a gun when he was in second grade. From then on, he was hooked. Clay targets were his first prey. When he mastered those, he moved up to hunting deer, ducks, quail, turkey and anything else a person hunts. He likes to hunt with both guns and a bow and arrow.
"My dad and I always liked to go hunting together," he said. "Whatever was in season wed hunt," he said. Mike also took him on a fishing trip this past summer to New Mexico. It was the first real fishing trip they had taken, Rowan said.
Unfortunately, because of his demanding schedule, Rowan has been unable to do any hunting this year. But, he has been out scouting potential hunting spots around the Columbia area. And when time permits, hell travel to that perfect locale and go all out with his array of hunting equipment.
Although hes just a freshman, Matt Rowan is wise enough to recognize the potential in the Missouri Tiger team this season. "We want to win," he said. He says the Tigers will try to take things one game at a time and play hard. "We want to win the conference, go to the dance, try to win it all," he said.
