Classroom:Wilson has a GPA of 3.49 and will graduate on May 18, 2008 with majors in Economics and Philosophy. He is a part of Humanistic Scholar Program and has received nothing less than a B+ in any class since sophomore year. A two-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll member he is considering several options after he finishes playing baseball including law school and coaching and he would like to travel.
Character:Elected a senior co-captain, Mat had an offer to attend another institution out of high school, but chose not to go, because, in his heart, he felt he would not be challenged academically there and the opportunity to play baseball was secondary to education. As a result, he spent a year at IMG Academies working on returning to his pitching form, recovering from an injury he sustained in high school. After his post-grad year, Mat chose to come to Bucknell and has said it was worth his wait as he feels it was the ideal atmosphere for him both academically and athletically. He suffered another injury his sophomore year and worked diligently to get healthy enough to pitch in the Patriot League Championship series that year (2006). Mat made the trip to the league tournament, but remained on the bench because of a coaching decision. Instead of being angry or bitter or feeling entitled to some reward for his hard work, it only motivated Mat to work harder the following season in 2007. The result was his best season to date, which saw him finish eighth in the nation in ERA and lead the team in wins. He is a workhorse who leads by example and loves spending time in the classroom just as much as the time he spends on the mound.
“Mat is a very motivated young man who has worked hard to achieve high levels of success in the classroom and on the field. He uses his ability very efficiently to accomplish his goals. He is a focused competitor who brings out the best in his teammates. His confident and positive attitude is contagious and makes him an effective leader. He excels in facing challenges and leads everyone to greater levels of achievement.” – 27th-year head coach Gene Depew
“Mat has been in the upper echelon of pitchers in the Patriot League for the past two seasons. Yet despite not receiving much recognition for the feat, he still persists on the field as the leader of our pitching staff as well as off the field when working to better himself as well as being a mentor to younger players. This year as a senior, he has done a great job of focusing the mentality of our pitchers on what it’s going to take to become a successful pitching staff and ultimately vie for a Patriot League title.” - fellow co-captain Jason Buursma
Competition:Named to 2008 Brooks Wallace Player of the Year Award Watch List. Set a new career high with 10 strikeouts in 7.0 innings in first start of 2008. He enters his senior season with a 3.25 career ERA, which currently ranks fifth in both the school and Patriot League record books. Also ranks sixth on the program’s list for fewest walks per nine innings (2.96) and is second in shutouts (3). Finished 2007 eighth in the nation in ERA (1.78), the fourth-lowest single season ERA in league history (third in Bucknell history), pitching a team-best five complete games.Tied program record for shutouts in a season with two.