TJ Literature Teacher Matt Santambrogio lends leadership skills to the gridiron.
photo by Rebecca Holt
As a high school football player himself, as well as being a middle school flag football coach, Thomas Jefferson Literature Teacher Matthew Santambrogio agreed to extend his assistance not only to the English Department but also to the 2009-2010 freshman football team.
Before coming to TJ, Matt taught literature at Rishel Middle School for three years. While there, on top of teaching literature at the 7th grade level, he was also the flag football coach for two years. After an unfortunate reduction in force at Rishel, Matt was forced to leave the school. His luck quickly took a turn for the better when a spot opened up in the English Department at Thomas Jefferson High School, which he enthusiastically accepted.
Matt was born in Denver and played football his freshman year at Chatfield High School. After deciding football wasn’t his cup of tea, Matt took up reading and writing to fill his spare time. Matt graduated from Chatfield in 1994 and continued on toward his dream of becoming a literature teacher.
With teaching being the main priority on his agenda, being offered the position to assist with the football team gave Matt the opportunity to spend some time with his students outside of the academic world. “Even though football wasn’t my favorite sport, I missed coaching after I left Rishel Middle School, and this is my chance to get back into it,” said Matt. “I love working with kids outside of the classroom.”
As a member of a Denver Hurling team, Matt dedicates some of his free time to his team. Hurling is a sport similar to lacrosse and football, except the ball in the game is actually hit with a stick instead of being caught. Players use a stick to hit a ball through a field goal if possible, otherwise into a net guarded by a goalie.
Thomas Jefferson Math Teacher and Head Football Coach Tim Owens was the one who proposed the position to Matt. “Owens asked for someone to help with the structure and academic life of the freshman football team,” said Matt. Since most of the focus of the head coaches goes to junior varsity and varsity teams, the freshman team needed a little more guidance, and Matt seemed just right for the job.
“I wanted a freshman coach who also worked in the building so they could monitor grades and behavior aside from football. I also knew Matt had coached at Rishel,” said Owens. “He’s doing a really great job so far.”
While the rest of the teachers head home for a well-deserved night of relaxation, Matt stays behind to give his assistance to the team. “Even though leaving right after school last year was nice, when the opportunity presented itself to help out the kids even more, I took it,” said Matt.
At Thomas Jefferson High School, football is taken very seriously, where The Spartans have earned multiple city championships. Every year there are high expectations for the team and with more structure and training now going into the freshman team, by the time those students get to varsity they will be prepared to take on the rest of the teams in DPS, and more.
Matt’s hard work and dedication is appreciated throughout the team. “He’s a great coach. He really tries to help the team improve however he can,” said Freshman Abraham Woldu.
“Owens and the rest of the head football coaches have high hopes for the team, and if I can help out even at the freshman level, I am more than willing,” said Matt.
