When Mateo Cerritos Gatto graduated from Fort Campbell High School last month, a lot of people knew he was one of the most decorated athletes at the school in this quarter-century.
But those who know him and taught him will remember him for his character and the continual work he put forth on the field and in the classroom.
Mateo reached the medal podium at the state meet five times in his career for individual events. He was also on Fort Campbell’s 2024 state champion 800 and 1600-meter relay teams.
The medal podium became a second home for Mateo throughout his career, which made it even more special to make two more visits in his final meet.
“That kind of made me happy. I’ve got a smile on my face, knowing that I can end my high school career just the way I started it, running in four events at state,” he said. “These medals are just physical reminders that I’ve achieved the goals that I’ve set for myself. And just those goals and achievements really drive me to continue competing in sports.”
In addition to track, Mateo competed in archery and soccer in his high school career and even gave wrestling a shot.
“That ended pretty quickly,” he laughed.
One thing that didn’t end for Mateo was the relationships he built in his time at Fort Campbell as one of the rare Falcons who stayed on post for his entire career.
“I was one of the few that remained here for a while, and it’s tough seeing friends go. You build up those close relationships, but know they’re going to move on in two years to another school. It’s tough,” he said.
During his time at Fort Campbell, he was part of S2S, a student-led program that helps new students get accommodated to their new school.
But it’s not just relationships with his teammates. Fort Campbell and University Heights Academy have built a nice rivalry in track and field in the past decade. They compete against each other during the season, at the region meet, and again at the state meet.
“I know them more on a personal level than just competitive athletes, and you see us out there all the time hanging out,” he said. “But once the race starts, we lock in and we just compete. And when we’re done, we’re back to being friends.”
Mateo graduated in the top 20 in his class and was a member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Mu Alpha Theta, a mathematics honor society.
He also recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
“It’s just another one of those things that I had to fit into my schedule and create balance for,” he said.
His Eagle Scout project included work to renovate and fix an amphitheater near Gate 10 on post.
“It was originally built by an engineering unit at Fort Campbell and was weathered and run down. It was something I wanted to work on. I cleaned up the area and built some railings and refurbished the wood there,” he said.
Mateo plans to attend Centre College but doesn’t know if track and field is in his future.
“Their coach has reached out and wants me to run, but I haven’t really made that decision,” he said following the state track and field meet last month.
Once there, he wants to pursue a business career.
“I’ve always been fascinated with money and the way it works. I know that might not last for the entire four years, but that’s just where I want to start.”
Based on his accomplishments on and off the field, it would be wise to look up Mateo in eight years and let him guide you down the same successful path he has enjoyed as a Falcon.
Chick-fil-A ‘Triple A’ recognizes athletes for their academics, achievements, and athletics during their high school career. Athletes are chosen based on nominations from teachers, coaches, school officials, and YSE staff. You can submit a nomination for a Chick-fil-A ‘Triple-A’ to include academic and athletic achievements to scott@yoursportsedge.com.
