Q and A With Andrew Berryman and Matt Glenn

By Sean Wallis
Sports Information Student Assistant
Washington University in St. Louis

You’re the only person from the state of Washington on this football team—how did you end up at Washington U.?

Matt Glenn: Well I was looking for a school with a strong academic reputation where I would still have the chance to play football for four more years. I had heard great things about Washington University and after visiting the campus I knew it was a perfect fit.

How do you feel like you’ve grown as a player and person in your four years as part of the football program at WU?

MG: Coming in as a freshman it was difficult not seeing any real playing time, especially after having started in high school. Recognizing the new level of competition and what I had to do in order to see the field really renewed my passion for the game, and I think made me a better player. Washington University’s program naturally attracts great athletes and people, and being surrounded by these guys everyday for the past four years has really helped me grow in both respects.

In just your sophomore year you lead the team in touchdowns with 12–how was it playing such a big role as an underclassmen on a team where main contributions come from upperclassmen?

MG: I felt really lucky to have had the opportunity to play on such a senior-oriented team. We had a lot of great backs that year and the coaches did a great job of utilizing our different strengths in different offensive situations.

How do you feel like your role changed going into this season as one of just two captains?

MG: Regardless of whether I was selected as a captain or not, I knew that coming into this season we all had to be on the same page in terms of where we wanted to take this season and how we were going to get there. There may have been only two of us selected, but there is a lot of great upperclassmen leadership on our team that has really stepped up this season.

Since last year, you’ve split time in the backfield with junior Jim O’Brien. While this could cause tension on some teams, it doesn’t seem so with you two. What is your relationship like?

MG: Jim is one of my really close friends, both on the field and off the field. In fact all of us running backs are a very tight knit group. It’s really easy to split time with someone like Jim, and I don’t think there has ever been any tension between us. We both have different running styles that complement each other in different situations.

In the first quarter of your first game of the season you suffered a sprained PCL—how tough was it to watch for a few weeks and what did you learn from staying on the sidelines?

MG: It was extremely tough. I prepared harder than I ever had for this season, and was feeling great leading up to that game. While I was out, I found my new role on the team as a motivational leader and did what I could to put us in the best position for each game. I am just thankful that it was an injury that I could return from.

In one of your first carries back after being injured, you scored a touchdown against Wooster—how did that feel after all of the rehab to come back and contribute?

MG: Finally getting the OK to play in that game was a great feeling. After the weeks of rehab and not being able to hit anyone, I was really itching to get back into things. Even though I didn’t see much time, just being on the field again with the team was incredible.

Not many people know that you were the founder of the Washington University Wrestling Club. How much time do you spend wrestling during the school year?

MG: After the football season is over, I’ll go to wrestling practices three days a week and a number of tournaments throughout the spring. Wrestling is something that I always wanted to pursue at the collegiate level and it’s been pretty successful so far. A few guys on the football team, including Joe Rhein, have come out to practices as well.

The rumor is your best friend at school is named Brian? Who and what is this Brian character?

MG: Brian is my little pride and joy. He is a 30-pound Flemish Giant Rabbit that my roommate and I bought last summer. He’s actually larger than a lot of dogs and makes a great pet. We named him after the highly esteemed actor Brian Dennehy, one of our idols.

After graduating in May with a mechanical engineering degree, what are you looking to do?

MG: At this point, I am still looking for a job, but I am hoping to apply my engineering degree to something business-related, possibly in some area of consulting. I am in the interview process now, so hopefully I can answer that question in the near future.

As a Missouri native, did you always hope to go to Washington U.? What made you decide to choose WU?

Andrew Berryman: It’s kind of funny. Growing up I used to play in a lot of basketball tournaments here at Washington University, but never thought I would ever go here. It wasn’t until Coach K started talking to me in high school that I realized I wanted to go here. It ultimately came down to being able to play football and get one of the best educations.

You came into your freshman season having not played much football your senior year of high school because of a serious knee injury. After tearing your MCL and ACL, how much work did it take to get back to the point where you could contribute and play in nine games as a freshman at Washington U.?

AB: Getting back to game playing condition took a lot of work. I spent six months in physical therapy before I was even able to play again. But by the time I came to camp it had almost been a year since my surgery so I was basically almost back to 100 percent.

In your first game ever with the Bears you recovered a fumble? What was it like to do something like that in your first college game?

AB: That was one of the most exciting and memorable moments in my career. It was actually exactly one year to the date after I blew out my knee so it not only felt great to be back playing football, but also to make a huge play like that. Gosh it seems like just yesterday.

In your past two seasons you’ve been named first-team and second-team all-UAA, obviously you’re a team first player—but how nice does it feel to get that individual recognition?

AB: It’s always great to be recognized and rewarded for your performance, but it’s not the most important thing to me. The thing I cherish most is going out there and winning on Saturdays.

For your senior season you were named one of two captains for the squad—how did that change your role?

AB: I honestly don’t think it changed my role a whole lot. I’ve always seen myself as a leader on and off the field, now I just have to be a little more vocal about it.

How do you feel like you’ve grown as a person and player during your four years as part of the program?

AB: I have definitely come to understand the game more over the past few years. I’m able to help coach myself and teammates a lot better now. It also helps I’ve put on about 25 pounds since coming in as freshman.

You’ve battled the injury bug this season and even had to miss a few games. What was the toughest part about being on the sidelines and what did you learn from watching?

AB: The toughest part about being on the sidelines is not being able to go out there and compete. I love just getting out there and playing football so that was tough. But now I know to not take any play for granted.

After graduating with a degree in finance and healthcare management—what are your plans for next year?

AB: I’m currently in the process of applying and interviewing for jobs, so hopefully I’ll have a job with a focus in finance.