CLUB
2009: Played for the Illinois club baseball team.

HIGH SCHOOL
Earned seven varsity letters, four in wrestling and three in baseball ... Hit .387 his senior year ... Two-time all-area in baseball in 2007-08 ... Named baseball team MVP for Sandwich in 2007-08 ... Hit .336 in 2007 ... Two-time All-Interstate 8 Conference in wrestling ... Was an IHSA Class AA state qualifier in wrestling his junior year, Sandwich's first AA state qualifier ... Recorded a Sandwich-record 37 wins in a single season.

PERSONAL
Born Jan. 11, 1990 ... Full given name is Matthew Rafael Lopez-Cervantes ... Parents are Jaime Cervantes and Mary Johanningsmeier ... Majoring in kinesiology ... Has a brother, Michael Cervantes, and two step-brothers, Dylan and Michael Fredrick ... Biggest thrill in sports was playing in the Club World Series in 2009 at the Boston Red Sox spring training field ... Favorite athlete is Roberto Clemente because of his work ethic ... Plans to become a physical trainer or a physical education teacher and coach wrestling or baseball after finishing his degree.