Kaufmann makes mature decision, headed to West Point

McALLEN — Matthew Kaufmann’s choice to play football for Army was as mature a decision someone his age can make.

The former McAllen Memorial quarterback could have stayed in Texas to continue his career and enjoy a normal college experience. But Matthew was thinking long term.

After playing for Army, Matthew has to enlist for five years. He said he couldn’t turn down the career opportunities and benefits that come with being in the military.

“Playing college football is what I want to do,” Matthew said after his ceremonial signing Tuesday at McAllen Memorial High School. “I want to be a football coach one day. That is a pretty good avenue to become a football coach.”

Matthew’s adult decision should not come at a surprise. He started in 48 straight games, beginning his freshman year. Playing beyond his years in the fall of 2008, he led the Mustangs to their first outright district championship in 13 years.

Matthew’s father and Memorial offensive coordinator Marcus Kaufmann joked that his son’s maturity didn’t come from him.

“I had been fighting him to do something else,” Marcus said. “We talked about it as coaches and, I said of all his choices, he’ll probably decide to go to West Point. That is probably the right decision. He was going to do what was right.”

Marcus said it will be strange not having his son around next season after Matthew’s four years as a starter. Those four years produced record-breaking numbers for the school.

Matthew, who is the first Mustangs player to sign a National Letter of Intent since former running back Bradley Stephens in 2007, finished with program records in total offensive yards (10,735), passing yards (5,571) and touchdown passes (45). He also finished second in career rushing yards with 5,164 and in rushing touchdowns (76).

Matthew’s mother Monica Kaufmann admitted at one-point she was a little apprehensive about him joining a Military Academy.

“It is time for us to support his decision,” Monica said. “We felt like if we were going to be sad about it, then he was going to be sad. We didn’t want that. We are going to support him with his decision.”

Monica and Marcus have started a personal fund to save money for at least one trip next season. With Marcus coaching on Friday nights and Matthew playing in New York, it will not be easy to watch as many games live as they would like.

“It just shows the love they have for me,” Matthew said. “It is kind of tough to get out to New York or to wherever I’m playing. I just hope it all works out.”

Peter Rasmussen covers District 30-5A football for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 683-4448 or via email at prasmussen@themonitor.com.

Follow Peter Rasmussen on Twitter @parasmuss