Saint Louis Play Makers Receive Polynesian Bowl Invite

This month, two of Saint Louis’ premier athletes, Matt Sykes and Kamo’i Latu, got invited to play in the 2019 Poly Bowl which is considered one of the most prestigious bowl games in the country. 

Mat Sykes, one of the top receivers in the nation, has offers from Cal State, Oregon, Utah, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and is committed to UCLA. I asked Matt what it feels like getting invited to the poly bowl. He replied, “[it] feels great because ever since they started, it was a goal of mine. The best of the best play in it so I know it’s gonna be fun.”

What are some things you are looking forward to about getting this experience?

“Meeting other players from across the nation and just seeing how my talent stacks up against them, playing one last game in the Aloha Stadium. I’m looking forward to getting all the gear too.” Considering he has such already impressive list of achievements I asked him the question, how did you get to where you are today? “Through a lot of hard work, just learning from the older kids before me, getting stronger through injuries (broken hand, broken femur), God giving me my talents and abilities, and my parents taking care of me every step of the way.”

Next I interviewed Kamo’i Latu, one of the nations premier safeties who has offers from UH, Colorado, Washington State, Oregon State, Virginia, Nebraska, Central Michigan, Portland State, and is committed to Utah. He states, “it’s a blessing, Not everyone gets invited to this so I’m just thankful that I got to compete against the best athletes in the nation, here in my home state. I also feel like other people in Hawai’i should be invited.”

What are some things you are looking forward to about getting this experience?

“I’m just looking forward to meeting new people, people I’ll be playing against in the next level. Possibly people that will even make to the professional level. I’m looking forward to getting free gear, because the Poly bowl is sponsored by Adidas.”

How did you get to where you are?

“God, going to church on Sundays helps me stay grounded.” One of his personal inspirations comes from a quote, stating “today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can do what others can’t. I learned a lot through failing in my career. I’ve dreamed big, but dreams without goals are just dreams, so by setting goals I got to where I am today.” He also gave credit credit to his parents, stating that he wouldn’t be where he is today without them, as well as the coaches and brothers he has at Saint Louis, referred to by Latu as “The Lou.”