FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (August 24, 2021) – Through trials and tribulations,
Matthew Kempton pushed his way to the top of Northern Arizona's football team.
Now a veteran for the Lumberjacks, Kempton has earned the opportunity to lead his teammates with the knowledge and experience he gained in his four, going on five, seasons at Northern Arizona.
Nearly two years ago during the first game of the 2019 season against Missouri State University, Kempton suffered an ACL tear in his knee. From then on, his sole mission became coming back stronger and with a new mentality. After COVID-19 protocols delayed the 2020 season to the spring, Kempton gained additional time to rehab his knee, which left room for more nerves going into the Spring 2021 season.
"The whole process was exciting, obviously with COVID it wasn't normal, so it was strictly going out there and playing football and showcase all the work we put in as a team," Kempton said. "There was definitely a little bit more of a mental aspect because I hadn't played in almost two years, so it was a little nerve racking. You'll have nerves going into any game, once you get past those first couple plays, then it was just like normal."
As Kempton finally saw a light at the end of the tunnel and got back on the field, he found early successes that continued throughout the abbreviated five-game season. While he caught 10 passes for 118 yards in the season's five games, Kempton also showcased his leadership skills and ability to back his team through the triumphs and shortcomings.
In the season opener at Southern Utah, Kempton caught back-to-back passes for a total of 35 yards, getting the Lumberjacks' to the 10-yard-line with just a few seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. The pair of receptions set up
Coleman Owen's game-winning score to bring the Grand Canyon Trophy back to Flagstaff.
"So much goes into playing an actual season and playing against actual teams whether that's in conference or out of conference, so that was a season I was looking forward to," Kempton said. "The main motivation was just getting back out there and getting to actually play the sport, putting all the work to use against competitors in the league."
His efforts didn't go unnoticed as Kempton was named to the All-Big Sky Second Team after the spring season came to an end. After a huge comeback from his injury, he was proud of the accomplishment without a doubt.
"It was rewarding. With the COVID season and coming back from the injury, I was really looking forward to that junior season, so I was happy to be able to showcase what I think I'm capable of doing," Kempton said. "I think we have a lot of players that came out ready to showcase what they are able to do and that's what really brings us together. You take a lot of pride in that and you take a lot of pride in your teammates being able to get those awards as well."
As a team veteran, and reaching the FCS Playoffs during his freshman season against San Diego, Kempton is able to use his experience to guide his teammates and teach them what he learned while making it to the next level that every guy on the team wants to reach.
"You definitely learn a lot through the years, and I think the main thing you can take away from it is just how competitive the Big Sky is," Kempton said. "We get multiple teams from the Big Sky that make the playoffs every year, so we know how important those conference games are. We'll see upsets all the time, you get these top ranked teams and then someone in the Big Sky will go and knock them off."
When it comes to the Big Sky Conference, every team is ready for their shot in the playoffs. Kempton highlights how competitive the conference is, and how non-conference teams often overlook the dedication and drive Big Sky teams have throughout the regular season and that postseason run.
"It's nice to know how competitive the league is and to know to put your best foot forward every game. It's nice to know how rewarding that feeling can be when you reach that playoff game. That playoff atmosphere is a fun experience," Kempton said.
Kempton's childhood and family background reflects how much sports meant from the very start for him. Kempton's father, Tim Kempton, had a 14-year-career in the NBA and European leagues, and then became a radio analyst for the Phoenix Suns.
Additionally, Kempton's three siblings were all heavily involved in sports as well growing up, and he credits his mom for her role in supporting them and getting them to and from every sporting event throughout their childhoods.
"Athletics was a big point of emphasis in our lives growing up," Kempton said. "Our lives revolved a lot around it whether it was going to practice, scheduling, cheering each other on. A large part of it was just the competitive atmosphere, we were always playing a sport year-round no matter what the sport was."
