Meet Matthew Paeth, executive director at Nebraska USA Wrestling (nebraskausawrestling.org).
Tell us a little about your business. – We are a nonprofit organization that is the governing body for USA wrestling in the State of Nebraska. We work with athletes that range from ages five to 30, helping them develop and giving them the needed tools to achieve their goals and dreams within the sport of wrestling and life. Our athletes take great pride in representing the “Husker State” all over the country and world.
How did you get started in the business? – I started my wrestling journey at the age of five and immediately fell in love with it. Through wrestling I have been able to travel to some very cool places and meet amazing people. Now being a dad myself, I can share this sport with my kids. Wrestling truly is like no other sport. You may be competitors on the mat one minute and the next you’re hanging out grabbing something to eat. We almost become like family. I feel very fortunate that I have turned my love of wrestling into a career that I get to share with my kids and help grow the wrestling landscape here in Nebraska.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I am only seven months into my role as executive director, and we have already seen growth in our participation, I cannot wait to see where we are a year from now. The future of wrestling in the state of Nebraska is bright, and we are looking forward to making our mark nationally in the years to come.
Tell us a little about your family. – My wife’s name is Rebecca and we have a soon-to-be four-year-old and a two-year-old. My daughter, Larsen, who will be turning four, just started wrestling and is learning the fundamentals. She also loves traveling and being around “her team.” My son, Thorin, who is two, is a little wrestler in the making. He has no fear and his infectious little grin will brighten your day. My wife Rebecca is a registered nurse and is also working on her master’s and Doctorate in Nurse Practitioner through Purdue University. Rebecca is the one who keeps us all on track, and we’d be lost without her.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Becoming a dad really changed my life for the better.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Spending time with the kids. We all love going to the Zoo or the trampoline park.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – That I have an Agricultural Engineering degree.
Who inspires you? – My kids. I do the absolute best I can to ensure this sport is around for them and their kids.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Being able to be in more than one place at a time.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Agriculture.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Nebraska USA wrestling. Wrestling is the greatest sport on the planet, in my opinion anyways. But seriously, as an organization we aim to help as many kids as possible achieve their goals. Whether that is becoming a state champion or an Olympic champion, we are here to help develop and give guidance in order for them to chase their dreams.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Ray’s wings & Pizza. They are a part of Bills Mafia, GO BILLS!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (585) 219-3602; execdirector@neusaw.com; www.nebraskausawrestling.org.