Aug. 21, 2007
The 13th in a daily series during fall camp, get to know freshman, offensive lineman Mike Matamua.
GoAztecs.com: How has your experience at San Diego State been so far?
Matamua: It's been really fast. I knew that everything would move quickly, but I didn't expect it to be as fast as it has been.
GoAztecs.com: What was your most memorable high school football moment (at Kapolei High)?
Matamua: I actually have two and both were during my senior year. One was our homecoming game when we beat our rivals within the same district in front of a big crowd. The second one was when we beat our cross-island rivals, Waianae High. Those were two really good victories.
GoAztecs.com: What will you miss most about Hawaii?
Matamua: Everything. I will especially miss the food and the weather.
GoAztecs.com: With Aztec Family Day this weekend, will you have family members coming to visit you?
Matamua: My parents will be flying up from Hawaii along with my brother and my newborn brother. I also have family in Los Angeles, but I don't know if they will make it.
GoAztecs.com: What do you like to do in your free time?
Matamua: I like to play basketball. I usually like to go to the park and play, but being in season and not really knowing the area yet, I have just been hanging out at home.
GoAztecs.com: Do you have a favorite NFL team?
Matamua: I have liked the San Francisco 49ers since I was young.
GoAztecs.com: Whom did you look up to as a football player growing up?
Matamua: Well, I actually didn't play any sports when I was little. I started playing football in high school, so I didn't really look up to any athletes growing up. I watched the 49ers, but I didn't have a favorite player.
GoAztecs.com: Do you have a favorite player now?
Matamua: I like (strong safety) Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers and (linebacker) Lofa Tatupu of the Seattle Seahawks. I like them because they are rugged and also because they are Samoan.
GoAztecs.com: What helped you decide to play at San Diego State?
Matamua: I really liked the coaching staff. Also, I like the stage the program is in right now. I'm excited to help this team turn things around.
GoAztecs.com: How did you spend your summer before coming to San Diego?
Matamua: I just cruised with my friends before I left. I actually got my license four days before I came here so I was out driving around most of the time.
GoAztecs.com: Do you know what you want to study at SDSU?
Matamua: I am planning on majoring in sociology.
GoAztecs.com: Do you know what you want to do after you graduate?
Matamua: I will probably move back home to Hawaii and I would like to be a guidance counselor.
GoAztecs.com: So is it safe to say you will be going home during vacations?
Matamua: Guaranteed. It is really nice up here, but nothing compares to home.