Josh Matulka, a senior at Alliance High School and son of George and Erin Matulka, signed his letter-of-intent to play football for the Chadron State Eagles this fall. Matulka, despite playing the 2013 football season at the quarterback position, will play wide receiver for the Eagles.

Matulka was a standout wide receiver for the Alliance Bulldogs during the 2012 season. With 35 receptions on the season for 497 yards and 3 touchdowns, Matulka was named to the 1st team all-district and Most Valuable Player.

Prior to the 2013 football season, Matulka was named the starting quarterback for the Bulldogs. Matulka started the first three games this season at quarterback when adversity struck. During a game against Hastings, Matulka completely tore his ACL, sidelining him for three games. When Matulka returned, he threw for 653 yards and 7 touchdowns, and he finished the season as one of the few Bulldog quarterbacks to pass the 1,000-yard passing mark.

An ACL injury is very difficult recover from, and Matulka said it affected him, “more physically than it did mentally.”

“Doctors said it was my decision whether or not I wanted to play for the rest of the season, and when they said that, there was no doubt I wouldn’t play on it,” said Matulka.

Matulka served as an inspiration to his teammates and coaches throughout the season. In the postseason awards, he was named “Mr. Bulldog,” an award chosen by his teammates, Most Valuable Player, 1st team All District, and All State Honorable Mention as a quarterback.

“I have never seen anyone comeback from an ACL injury as well as he did,” remarked Bulldog assistant coach Cassidy “Bubba” Kramer. “His performances against Sidney, Scottsbluff, and Gering (the final three games of the season), Josh made great plays considering he had a torn ACL… It was very impressive.”

Matulka’s quarterback coach, and Bulldog assistant coach Mike Spargo, who once served as an assistant coach at Chadron State, praised Matulka for his toughness and leadership. “The fact that he played three football games on a torn ACL was incredible, and it didn’t change the way we did things.”

Spargo has worked with most of the coaches at Chadron State, saying, “He (Matulka) will be taken care of well, and he’s getting a great opportunity to play college football and get a degree.”

Matulka contributes his success to his coaches and family, especially his parents, George and Erin. “Without them, I would not be where I am today,” said Matulka.

In choosing Chadron State as his future school, Matulka said, “I have a good relationship with the coaches, and their program has always been good.” Matulka also noted that being “close to home” played in affect as well.

As for his studies, Matulka is still undecided on his major and course of study.

“I plan to get the generals out of the way and see what comes after that,” Matulka said.