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Prep Roundup
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• Public Schools • Lake Norman High School
2008 Jun-12
Gwilt follows sister’s footsteps with all-star selectionBy Brian Meadows
Kelsey and Matt Gwilt were two of the best players ever to lace up soccer cleats at Lake Norman High, and now the siblings share another bond as all-stars. The North Carolina Coaches Association released East-West All-Star rosters Wednesday for this summer’s showcase, and Matt will join 14 other players on the West boys team July 22, when they battle the East at UNC Greensboro Soccer Stadium. Kelsey, Lake Norman’s all-time leading goal scorer, played for the West girls in 2006. Matt said he was happy to share the distinction as an East-West All-Star. “Saved some family pride, I guess,” Matt said with a chuckle. “It’s definitely neat that we both got selected.” A familiar face chose Matt, a Queens University-bound defender who graduated Tuesday. West coach Dane Perry, who guided Lake Norman to its first of two straight 3A state championships in 2006, said picking the team was a difficult process due to the “deep talent pool.” Matt, however, was a relatively easy choice, Perry said. “He’s been a solid defender for two years on a team that didn’t lose a game,” said Perry, who now coaches at Mallard Creek High in Huntersville. “He’s the anchor of that defense. … When his name showed up on the defenders list, it was pretty much a no-brainer.” Lake Norman’s defense proved to be nearly impenetrable the last two years. With his imposing physique, Matt was a big reason why. The Wildcats outscored their opponents 239-22 en route to 56 consecutive victories — 10 shy of breaking the state record. “The rings are kind of the best reward for it,” said Matt, whose championship jewelry is currently displayed in his bedroom. “It’s just great to be part of a winning team.” He will attempt to help the West, in the midst of a dry spell, earn a victory next month. The West hasn’t won the East-West All-Star game since 2004, one of only two victories in the last 10 years. The East leads the all-time series 8-6-2. Perry believes he assembled a team capable of ending the drought. “That is the hope,” he said. “We’ve had some rough runs of late, so hopefully we can sneak in one.” Matt will also play July 12 in the “Clash of the Carolinas.” The contest, held on Daniel Island, S.C., pits the top seniors from North Carolina against their South Carolina counterparts. Then there is the quick turnaround to prepare for the East-West game. Not that Matt is complaining.
“It’s a great way to end my high school career,” he said.
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