Matt's new, old family meet on TV

1/5/2006

The Texas Longhorns found out that Matthew was a huge fan of both the Longhorns and Vince Young. In September, while Matthew was lying in the hospital, the Longhorns sent Matthew several items inlcuding a Vince Young jersey. On January 4, 2006 they gave Matthew a show that will never be forgotten. Vince Young made the go-ahead touchdown with 19 seconds left in the game to win the National Title. Jose, Matthew's father, proudly wore the Vince Young jersey as he watched the Rose Bowl with family and friends. Everyone yelled "They did it for you Matthew" as the Longhorns ended a great game and finished the season undefeated. The Longhorns had the advantage of having the support of Matthew and his love for a team that he wanted to play for. Everyone knew that Matthew was watching His Team win. Live on Matthew!

USC Coach reaches out to Matthew's family on Matthew's forum:

Dear Vangelderen Family,
We are very saddened to hear of your loss of Matt. We are football coaches at USC. We would like to express our deepest sympathy for you. Our hearts are deeply touched by this event. If there is anything we can do to help you through this tough time please call us...
Sincerely, Golden Pat Ruel Bay Area Recruiter

Sun Post:

Manteca Bulletin:

• Fallen Lancer still on sideline 9/14/06
  He was a son, a friend, a classmate and a teammate.
  
• Lancers, 49ers winning off the field
• Coming to a football stadium near you
• 1. Playing for Matthew: East Union High returns to Dino Cunial Field with heavy hearts on Friday after the passing of two-way talent Matthew VanGelderen. It's been a rough two weeks for the Lancers, who have endured a rollercoaster of emotions away from the football field, but junior running back J.D. Snead says they'll be ready for Sonora High. Matthew wouldn't have it any other way. "We're ready to go because we know he'll be there," Snead said. "He'll be there." And you should too.
• Matthew's classmates leave tributes at EU
• 'Matthew, we will miss you forever'
• Van Gelderen updates now online 9/23/2005
• Friends of Matthew plan bake sale Saturday 9/23/2005
• VOL will wear No. 2 for Matthew 9/22/05
• EU football player still in coma 9/20/2005

The Record Online:

• Still No. 1 with Lancers 9/15/06

• A life that touched thousands 10/2/2005
• 
• 42-14: A lesson in courage 10/1/2005
• Matt remembered by Internet crowd 9/30/2005
• Memorial for Matt
• Thinking of Matt 9/25/2005
• This one's for Matt 9/24/2005
• Seven teams, one number in honor of fallen player 9/23/2005
• For Bear Creek, the pain is real 9/23/2005
• Injured football player responsive 9/20/2005

NEWS 10:

• Hundreds Attend Memorial Service for Fallen Manteca Football Playerw/video 9/30/2005

KCRA:

• Students Mourn Fallen High School Football Player 9/26/2005 w/video

Tracy Press:

• Crowd, players, coaches at Crosstown Classic honor fallen football player 10/04/2005

Modesto Bee:

• Remembering Matthew
• A whole community in mourning

KTVU:

• Prep Football Player Battles For Life w/video 9/19/05

CBS 5:

• Manteca Prep Football Player In Critical Condition w/ Video 9/19/2005