Matt Wright came to the Central Oklahoma baseball program as a junior college transfer for the 2000 season and proceeded to start every game (100) during his two years with the Bronchos.
A slick-fielding second baseman who also showed good power at the plate, Wright was a second-team All-Lone Star Conference North Division selection in 2000 after hitting .302 with 10 doubles, five home runs and 34 runs batted in.
Matt helped lead a powerhouse UCO club to the LSC North Division title, a national tournament berth and a 41-14 record as a senior in 2001. He batted .341 with 16 doubles, seven homers, 40 RBI and 15 stolen bases in garnering first-team All-LSC North honors.
In this week's installment of our look back at some of Central's past athletic greats, here's a brief conversation with Matt Wright.
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What degree did you get from UCO: Industrial Safety
How did UCO prepare you for success: UCO taught me to work hard to achieve my goals. I'm working hard every day to hopefully reach them. Â
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Favorite memory at Central: Opening up at OU on my birthday my junior year. Or hitting a walk-off bomb my senior year against Abilene Christian to stay alive in the national tournament only to be followed later that day by striking out looking to end the season.
Best thing about going to UCO: Without a doubt all the great lifelong friends I made.
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Who were your favorite professors, coaches, etc: This is easy!! Dr. Jones and, of course, Big W (head coach Wendell Simmons).
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If you could give advice to a current student-athlete at UCO, what would it be: Enjoy your time at UCO. Don't wish your time away. You have the rest of your life to grow up and do adult things (adulting).
Career path: After UCO my first job was the safety director for Metheny Concrete. Â That lasted about six months. They decided I should be in sales!! I did that for six years until leaving for the oil patch. I've been in some type of sales position for different companies my entire oilfield career.
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Where do you currently live: Edmond.
Family: Wife Jerra (UCO alum) and four kids – Jack (18), Maddie (14), Jewel (8) and Johnston (5).
